in the Pikes Peak Region - Jack Quinn`s Runners Club

Transcription

a publication dedicated to outdoor recreation
in the Pikes Peak Region
Colorado
Shredding
Bird-Watching—It’s
for the
Birds, the Parents, and the Kids
Treating Injuries—Alternative
Therapy Can Offer New Hope
OUTDOORS in the Pikes Peak Region
January/February 2007
Super-Affordable, Kid-Friendly,
Locally-Owned, Family Paradise!
2006: New Rental Shop • New Ski School Building • New Rental Equipment
Expanded Seating • Additional Lockers • More Restrooms • New 80’ Conveyor Lift.
(The children’s teaching area is doubling in size!)
EST.
MO U N TA I N
1939
“ L o s e T h e C r o w d s , N o t Yo u r Fa m i l y. ”
4HELEADINGPROVIDEROF&ITNESS!WARENESS
FORBUSINESSESANDTHEIREMPLOYEES
TABLE
of contents
Features
Snowboarding
Colorado Shredding........................... 6
Snowshoeing
How to Choose the Right Snowshoes....... 8
Trail Running
Join the Club — Running Clubs Abound... 10
Health
Treating Injuries — Alternative Therapy
Can Offer New Hope......................... 12
Cross-country skiing
Don Some Cross-Country Skis
and Away You Go............................. 15
fishing
Are You Ready for Ice Fishing?............. 19
Columns
Try It...
Skijoring Anyone?.......................................... 4
Be Safe Out There!
Avalanche Dangers and How to Avoid Them........... 9
Friends of the Outdoors
Friends of the Peak....................................... 20
business spotlight
Quick Gym................................................. 20
featured trail
Red Rock/Palmer Loop Trail............................. 21
Outdoor Family Fun
It's for the Birds, the Parents, and the Kids –
Bird-Watching is Fun for Everyone..................... 22
Calendar Of Events
January • February....................................... 16
Try it...
Skijoring Anyone?
By Sky Warnke
Love to cross-country ski? Love dogs?
Think about combining your two passions
into one incredibly fun sport: skijoring!
Skijoring (pronounced “skee-JOAR-ing”)
has been a part of the culture in Alaska
and Scandinavia for a very long time and is
now rapidly gaining popularity in the snow
regions of the USA. It is, in fact, the fastest
growing segment of sled dog sports.
Skijoring, a Norwegian word meaning
“ski-driving,” is basically a cross between
dogsledding and cross-country skiing.
Virtually any dog over about 30–35 pounds
can be trained to “skijor”. Dogs such as
Siberian huskies and Alaskans are generally the most common, but Rhodesian ridgebacks, Labrador retrievers, Border collies,
Great Danes, giant schnauzers, even standard poodles, along with just about any
mix-breed, are being seen more often. Most
dogs love to run, as many people find out
when taking their pets for walks—so from a
dog’s perspective, skijoring is pure ecstasy.
“Dogs love to work. They have been bred
to do a job and really love doing it,” explains
Fritz Howard, a member of RMSDC (Rocky
Mountain Sled Dog Club). He personally
runs dogs that are part husky and pointer.
What a great way for a dog, or dogs
(more than one dog can be harnessed for
skijoring), and owner to exercise together
while enjoying the outdoors. Just imagine
a beautiful Colorado day, with the blue sky
and the snow glistening, just you and your
best friend speeding along in harmony. For a
cross-country skier, who is also a dog lover,
it just doesn’t get any better than that.
“I love skiing and I love dogs, so it made
sense to me,” Fritz said. “Skijoring is pretty
unique. You’re working together with your
dog; you’re skiing, they’re pulling, and it all
just comes together.”
A 6- to 10-foot tug-line will attach you
to your dog. A special skijoring harness for
your dog, a skijoring belt for you and you’re
ready to go. Don’t think the dog does all the
work. The dog runs and pulls, but the skier
is also striding and pushing off with their
poles. The amazing synergy and companionship with the dog is one reason skiers
take up skijoring; another motive is often
the speed. A well-trained dog and experienced skijorer can reach speeds of up to
20–25, even 30 mph.
You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy
skijoring, but you do need to know how
to ski. If you are a fairly competent Nordic
skier and have an eager healthy dog, you
may want to consider this sport. Harnesses
and tethers are not price prohibitive and
are easily available at any mushing outfitter or online. Do your research, though, as
you don’t want to risk the well-being of
your dog. A family pet will need training
and time to build up to long runs.
Looking for a mentor is great way to
start off. Hook up with another skijorer,
and then allow your dog to follow behind
and learn what to do directly from the
experienced dog. Going to one of the local
competitions can also be a great resource.
The mushing community is full of friendly
and helpful mushers. Some, like Fritz and
the RMSDC, offer clinics to help you get
going.
Serious skijorers have a language of
their own and some of the sledding/skijoring commands are: “whoa” (stop),
“gee” (right), “haw” (left), “hike” (go),
“easy” (slow down) and “on by” (pass
the person/team in front), along with a
few others.
Once you know what you’re doing and
are ready to head out, you should probably call ahead to the resort or custodian
of the cross-country trails where you’re
planning to skijor as there are some, but
not many, that do not welcome dogs on
the trails. There are Nordic ski centers in
Breckenridge, Keystone and Frisco, as well
as ungroomed trails at Mueller State Park.
There are a few basic categories of skijoring. Recreational, which is often done with
the family pet—the focus being fun and
fitness—is the largest category. Sprint races
are usually from 3 to 10 miles and are fastpaced and exciting not only to participants,
but also for spectators. Endurance races can
run from 20 to 50 miles and skijorers really
need to know their dogs and know winter
Photo taken by Fritz Howard Melanzana
survival skills as these races usually head
into the wilderness. There are also modifications of skijoring in which a small plastic
sled (pulk) is added to the mix and are, more
often than not, overnight trips.
Although this is not the sport for very
young children, it’s great for teens and can
offer them a sense of both excitement and
the responsibility involved with the care and
safety of the dog(s).
If this sounds like something you may
want to try, there are books available, websites full of wonderful information, and
mushers ready to help. And once your dog
is well trained and the snow melts, there
is always “rollerjoring,” “bikejoring” or
“scooterjoring”!
So go ahead and Try It!
For more information, visit the Rocky
Mountain Dog Sled Club at www.rmsdc.com.
USA Winter Triathlon National Championships
Comes to Colorado
Winter triathletes will get to showcase their skills on the national level in
February when the Devil’s Thumb Ranch (just outside of Winter Park, Colorado)
hosts the USA Winter Triathlon National Championships. The event is set for
Sunday, February 4 and will feature an 8K trail run, a 15K mountain-bike ride, and
a 10K cross-country ski.
The event will also serve as the Pan American Championship for the International
Triathlon Union. Top athletes in the sport will be on hand to compete. The top two
in each age group will qualify for the 2007 Winter Triathlon World Championship,
in Flassin, Italy, on March 3-4.
Already popular in Europe for years, winter triathlon has seen growth in the
U.S. and Canada of late, especially as competitive triathletes find that Nordic skiing
offers a great off-season cross-training workout. There is also an international push
to add winter triathlon to the list of sports for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. For
more information about the sport, visit: http://www.usatriathlon.org/MultiSport101/
Sports/WinterTriathlon.aspx.
OUTDOORS
OUTDOOR
notes
in the Pikes Peak Region
Staff List
Publishers & Editors:
Julie Raber • John Vasilakis
Advertising Representatives:
Julie Duncanson • Mary Moran
Graphic Designer:
Beckie Raupp
Contributing Writers:
Phil Fredrickson • Anita Louise •
Theresa Ludwick • Sky Warnke
Copy Editor:
Helen Macdonald
Ad Designers:
Carol Bradford • Kelvin Chappell
Copyright 2006 by Outdoors LLC. All rights reserved.
No portion of Outdoors in the Pikes Peak Region, including advertising,
editorial features, artwork, articles, columns or photography, may be
reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.
OUTDOORS LLC
445C E. Cheyenne Blvd., # 374,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 538–9191 Fax: (719) 325–7008
E–mail: [email protected]
www.OutdoorsPikesPeak.com
Having survived the holiday season another year,
I realized how important family traditions and rituals
are to me. As a boy who grew up in Brooklyn, New
York, my father’s night job kept him from participating
much in our everyday lives, let alone family recreational
activities. And at times it seemed my mother had all she
could do to keep track of the four of us. But even with
these pressures, my parents managed to provide us
with some great outdoor experiences that I remember
even now.
My father loved to fish. I vividly recall night fishing
with him during the wintertime in freezing conditions
on Coney Island Pier. We fished several times each
winter season. We would fish for lingcod and it always
seemed to me that the colder and snowier the weather,
the better he liked it. It would get so cold that I would
have to seek the shelter of the small snack bar at the
middle of the pier. I remember my favorite fishing snack
was a cup of hot chocolate (whipped cream, of course)
and a large chocolate donut. My father swore that the
fish loved the cold and rewarded those hardy fishermen
that braved the elements. We rarely came home with an
empty bucket.
My mother was not much of a cold-weather person
but she loved the warm weather and the ocean. Each
summer she would take all four of us kids to Riis Park
along the Atlantic Ocean at least once a week. The ride
would take two hours each way using three city buses
but the beach was worth it. Large rolling waves crashed
along the beach all day long. We all learned to bodysurf
at an early age and got used to sand in our bathing suits
Distribution
With a circulation of over 40,000 and a distribution of over 250 locations, OUTDOORS in the
Pikes Peak Region is fast becoming the leader in
outdoor recreation information and advertising.
Locationss
Colorado Springs (Downtown)
Apex Sports
Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.
Coffee & Tea Zone
Colorado Springs Visitors
Bureau
Godec's Camera & Photo
Supply
La Baguette
Mountain Brew Espresso
Mountain Chalet
Oscar's
Pikes Perk
Runners Roost
World Gym
YMCA–Downtown
Colorado Springs (Northeast)
Ahhh Bagels
All American Sports
Ascent Cycling
Austin Bluffs Laundry
Big O Tires
Bird Dog BBQ
Bob Penkhus Mazda
Boulder Running Company
Brakes Plus (4)
Carlin Dodge Superstore
Colorado Ski & Golf
Conrad Chiropractic & Wellness
Conway’s Red Top
DMC Paintball
Drury Inn
Dr. John Erickson
Egg & I
Faricy Boys Chrysler Jeep
Flex Gym & Fitness
Ghillie’s Hackle & Tackle
Grease Monkey
Howard Johnson
Jamboree Liquor
La Baguette
Liberty Toyota Scion
Lynmar Racquet & Health Club
Metro Health Services
Natural Wellness Center
Old Chicago
Panda Express
Peak Bowl
Peak Fly Shop
Peak Performance Marine Sports
Phil Long Ford
Pikes Peak Libraries
Pikes Perk
Play It Again Sports
Quick Drop
Quick Gym
R.E.I.
Rocky Mountain Chiropractic
& Sports Rehab
Saturn of Chapel Hills
Serrano’s Coffee
Sports Authority
Ted’s Bicycles
The Hub
Western Convenience
Wild Bird Center
World Gym
YMCA–Garden Ranch Briargate
Colorado Springs (Northwest)
Al Serra Chevrolet
Criterium Bicycles
Econolodge
Embassy Suites
ERA - Shields Real Estate
Hampton Inn – I–25
Microtel Inn & Suites
Phil Long Collision Center
StayBridge Suites
Town Place Suites – Marriot
World Gym
Wyndam Hotel
Colorado Springs
(Old Colorado City)
McVan The Map Store
Narwei Acupuncture Clinic
Red Mountain Sports
Vision Quest
Colorado Springs (Southeast)
Academy Nissan
Best Western Airport Inn
Best Western Executive Inn &
Suites
Brakes Plus
Canine Campus
Christy Sports
Conway’s Red Top
Dogtooth Coffee
Ferguson Pontiac Buick
Frankie’s Bar & Grill
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Memorial Hospital
Play It Again Sports
Ramada Limited
Red Wing Shoes
Seventh Wave Car Wash
Sports Authority
Sportsman’s Warehouse
SS Subs
Sunshine Audio
Team Chevrolet
U.S. Olympic Training Center
YMCA–Southeast
Colorado Springs (Southwest)
Academy Riding Stables
Bear Creek Nature Center
Black Bear Coffee & Tea
Brakes Plus
Canyon Café & Coffee
Chipotle
Clarion Hotel
Colorado College (Worner
Center)
Country Club of Colorado
Land Rover of Colorado Springs
Mercedes–Benz of Colorado
Springs
Mike Shaw Buick Pontiac
Mountain Mama Natural Foods
Peak Personal Training
Perkins Motor City Dodge
Phil Long Audi
Phil Long Ford
Phil Long Ford Kia
Pikes Peak Acura (2)
Porsche of Colorado Springs
Red Nolan Cadillac
Stables at the Broadmoor
Texas Roadhouse
Toyota of Colorado Springs
World Gym
and skinned chests and legs. It made for a long day but
we never had trouble sleeping at night.
These outdoor rituals, by no means elaborate,
formed the basis of some wonderful memories and
traditions in my family. Today, my children experience
a very different set of outdoor traditions. For example,
even with our busy lives, we manage to take our annual
fishing/camping trip each summer. We find a secluded,
primitive campsite, fly-fish in a local stream and enjoy
stories by a roaring campfire at night.
Another memorable outdoor adventure was the
time our family camped in Anza-Borrego Desert State
Park in California during a winter recess, when outdoor
temperatures could reach 85 degrees during the day
and 30 degrees at night. To this day our children talk
about the hikes to an oasis with water so cold that it
turned their legs blue or the visits to the desert badlands
with its windswept hoodoos and caves or the time we
had to sleep in a motel when our tent almost blew away
during a Santa Ana windstorm.
Why am I rambling on about outdoor traditions?
With so many opportunities for outdoor recreation in
our own backyard, make it a priority to establish some
outdoor traditions with your own family. Don’t wait
until the kids go off to college and then it’s too late. Try
something as simple as cutting down a Christmas tree
each year in the national forest or a special camping trip
on your birthday, or anniversary, or maybe even a day of
family sledding during the first snow day of the season.
Whatever it is, start this winter. You’ll be glad you did.
John Vasilakis, Publisher/Editor
Buena Vista
Falcon
Ark Anglers
Best Western Vista Inn
Bill Dvorack’s Rafting
Expeditions
Buena Vista Chamber of
Commerce
Buena Vista Drug
Hi Rocky Store
LaValle Gas & Liquor
Quincy’s Inc.
Super 8
The Trailhead
Cañon City
American Liquor
Antler Creek Golf Course
Espresso by Stratfords
Falcon Recreational Center
Frankie's Bar & Grill Too
Woodmen Hills Community Ctr. W.
YMCA
Fountain
A&J
American Liquor
Best Western
Big O Tires
Bottle Shoppe
Cañon City Sports Outlet
Canon Marine
CITI Taxidermy
City Auto Plaza
Comfort Inn
Echo Canyon Rafters
Holiday Inn Express
Ideal Lanes
Jewett Drug Store
Knotty Pines Motel
Linder Chevrolet
Lost Paddle Rafting
NAPA Auto
Otero Cyclery
Peerless Tires
Spencer Sports
Super 8
The UPS Store
Travel Inn
Whitewater Adventure
Outfitters
Wild West Steakhouse
Cascade
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Lake George
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Pikes Peak Library
Tom’s Liquor
Glenwood Springs
M Lazy C Ranch
Manitou Springs
Adam's Mountain Cafe
Best Western SkyWay
Black Cat Books
Cave of the Winds
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Monument
Balanced Rock Bike & Ski
Broiler Room
La Casa Fiesta
Monument Cork & Bottle
Pikes Peak Library
Serrano’s Coffee
Vitamin Cottage
Woodmoor Pines Country Club
Pueblo
Advance Cash America
Ark Anglers
Best Western
Big Five Sporting Goods
Big R of Pueblo
Bob's Bicycles
Comfort Inn
Lone Duck Campground
Days Inn
Pikes Peak Library
Econolodge
Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Edge Ski & Paddle
Wines of Colorado
Goodwill
Cotopaxi/Coaldale
Great Divide Ski, Bike & Hike
La Quinta Inn
Cotopaxi Store
Larsen's Automotive & Tire
Little Caesar's Pizza
Motel 6 (2)
Outlook Lanes
Outpost Harley Davidson
Quality Inn
Safeway
Sleep Inn
Spanky’s Liquor
Sports Authority
Super 8
Value Stay Inn & Suites
Vitamin Cottage
Wingate Inn
Salida
Angler’s Junction
Budget Lodge
Days Inn
GMC Autoplex
Great Western – Colorado Lodge
Heart of the Rockies – Chamber
of Commerce
Monarch Mountain Ski and
Snowboard Center
Monarch Mountain Lodge
Mountain Motel
Salida Hot Springs Pool
Super 8
Travelodge
Woodland Motel
Woodland Park
The Animal Clinic of W.P.
Coachlight Motel & RV Park
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
Golden Eagle Outfitters
H Smokehouse
Hoochie Mamma Mountaineering
Java the Hut
Lofthouse Inn
Peak Fly Shop
Pikes Peak Library
Pizza Factory
River to Ridgeline
Stained Glass Inspirations
Team Telecycle
Triple B Paint & QH Ranch
Woodland Hardware
Colorado
Shredding
By Theresa Ludwick
Go to California to dream, but if you want to
shred some awesome real estate on a beautiful
winter’s day, Colorado is the place to be. For native
Coloradans, some of the country’s best snowboarding is as close as your own backyard, but
even for those who have to cover a little distance to
carve here, it’s more than worth the trip.
Though skiers initially saw snowboarders as
little more than irksome insects on fat wood cluttering up their slopes, they eventually made room
for their counterparts, who were not going away.
Some even “deserted” to the other side when they
discovered just how fun and challenging riding
could be.
In interviews with managers of ski and snowboard shops located in Colorado Springs—B
C Surf & Sport, North Shore, Sports Authority,
and The Ski Shop—opinions were found to be
all over the board (no pun intended) regarding
where the best terrain parks could be found.
Among them were Breckenridge: “The scariest,”
“Most accessible,” “Insane, huge, giant jumps,”
“Phenomenal”; Copper Mountain: “My favorite,”
“The pipe runs down the whole side of the mountain,” “Accessible for entry level riders”; Keystone:
“Especially for rails,” “Cool! Lit up at night,” “One
I usually plan.”
Below we provide an overview of the features
included in various terrain parks in Colorado that
deserve mention.
Breckenridge was one of the earliest ski areas
in the country to accommodate riders of the rails
and half-pipes. In fact, the 2004–2005 winter season saw the celebration of its terrain park’s 20th
anniversary. Today, Breckenridge boasts five parks
and four pipes (Freeway, El Dorado, Trygves, Gold
King, and Country Boy).
By far, the most challenging and popular park
at Breckenridge is Freeway Terrain Super Park,
where even the Caped Crusader himself will find
a challenge, with rails and fun boxes galore, and of
course, a glorious half-pipe. This is no beginner’s
park but reserved for the truly skilled. This park’s
high altitude often makes for an early season
opening and late season closing.
El Dorado Terrain Park is Breckenridge’s newest and the perfect learning area for future groms
and rippers, with a Ski and Ride teaching area
and a self-learning area, both accoutered with
rails, boxes, and half-pipes. Trygves Terrain Park
is also great for the newbie with small jumps,
rails, boxes, and a half-pipe (“hucker” power!).
Beginners can take part in Ski and Ride classes,
and learn to stomp like a pro. From here, one
can graduate to Gold King Terrain Park, where
everything is a little bigger, but small enough to
gradually increase skill and confidence. Gold King
is good for refining skills before stepping up to the
real “king” of Breckenridge: the above-mentioned
Freeway Super Park.
Finally, you can thank God you’re a huckerboy (or -girl) when you check out Country Boy
Pipe: one long, smooth half-pipe down the
continued on page 7
Photo provided by Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Colorado Shredding
continued from page 6
whole length of the trail. You’ll think you’ve
died and gone to Shred Heaven.
Arapahoe Basin has the distinction of
being home to North America’s highest park—
Treeline Terrain Park—meaning its season
lasts longest: from October through June (and
sometimes July). That’s a long time to jib, and
a lot of places to do it on down rails, kink rails,
straight rails, trapezoid rails, 30- and 40-foot
jumps, boxes, and the occasional skier.
In Aspen, Snowmass lives up to its name
in the extreme, with three terrain parks on its
4,500 acres of terrain: Little Makaha, Midway
Intermediate, and Pipeline. Little Makaha is for
beginners learning the ropes (make that, rails)
with small- and medium-sized boxes, rails,
rollers, and bumps. Midway Intermediate Park
is next in the progression from face planter to
true blue jibber, and you haven’t quite made
it until you can stay upright at Pipeline Park.
Pipeline Park will have you air-grabbing your
way through elements intended to challenge
the most confident board betty or bro, including elements such as the Superpipe, 420 feet
of sweet accumulation with walls 19 feet high.
You may never come down.
Want culture? Then it’s Buttermilk in
Aspen, where the ESPN Winter X Games are
scheduled to take place until 2010. There’s the
Crazy T’rain Park and the X Games Superpipe
for skilled shredders, and the S3 Park for newbies and wannabes.
Copper Mountain has four parks, including kid-friendly Kidz Terrain Park, with minieverything: rails, boxes, jumps, and pipes.
Here, beginners can face plant, biff, and bail
until they’re ready to rock on more challenging topography. Speaking of which, Catalyst
Terrain Park, while maintaining some beginner’s features, also offers medium-sized elements where newbies can watch and emulate
their further-progressed peers, who are doing
the same with experts flying high on an 18foot quarter-pipe. At the end of the Catalyst
is the 430-foot long superpipe with the 18-foot
walls and 16-degree pitch you’ve been waiting for. If you’re into early season fun, try the
Eagle Jib Park, which opens early in the season
before Catalyst Terrain Park and is great way
to start the season and to brush up on your
boarding skills.
Vail is ever on a quest to offer top-notch
recreation for riders and their sticks. Thus,
it offers three terrain parks: Mule Skinner,
Bwana, and the big daddy of the three, Golden
Peak. Mule Skinner and Bwana offer everything on a small scale and are good for learning the basics and watching a parent or two
attempting to navigate a rail inches off the
ground before the inevitable, slow-motion fall.
No parents allowed, however, on the superpipe at Golden Peak Park, where pros and
locals zigzag down 18-foot high walls, or jib
over a variety of objects including boxes, rails,
tables, and maybe trees.
Monarch is the little mountain that could.
Though smaller than many of its counterparts,
it is devoted to providing the snowboarder with a decent riding experience. Ricochet
Terrain Park is an excellent place for beginners
to feel discrete and uninhibited as they learn
the basics on beginner and intermediate flat
and rainbow rails, trapezoids, kinks, spines,
tables, and boxes. The Event Zone is a stepup for the intermediate and advanced to ride
on larger and longer rails, boxes, jumps, and
spines.
Perhaps a drum roll is needed when introducing Keystone’s A51 Terrain Park. Recently
upgraded, A51 now covers 66 acres and features a new, exclusive area for beginners,
called The Incubator. Newbie jibbers and riders can hit the rails, boxes, and bumps in
preparation for the park’s newest features,
which include 51 rails and boxes, a superpipe,
and the popular BBQ Rail (a rainbow rail that
jibbers can’t wait to burn up). Best of all, A51 is
open at night, making it Colorado’s only nighttime terrain park.
Winter Park has three terrain parks:
Discovery, Kendrick, and the Superpipe, each
progressively more challenging with all the
jumps, rails, and boxes you could want. The
450-foot long, 18-foot high walled Superpipe
has neat amplitude banners to inform the rider
how much air he’s grabbing, and has a halfpipe for a neighbor.
Steamboat Springs is worth mentioning.
First, the area offers three parks for beginner through professional levels. The MiniMaverick is a miniature pipe with 5-foot
walls, doable for newbies. SoBe Terrain
Park features rails, kinks, sliders, mailboxes (no mailmen), barrels, rainbows,
and an outdoor sound system to shred
by.
Finally, take a good long breath and
pray the Shredder’s Prayer before flinging
yourself down the Maverick Superpipe
at Steamboat Springs. The Maverick is
the longest superpipe in North America,
measuring in at 650 feet with 15-foot
walls and a 17-foot transition into a 50foot quarter-pipe. Amen!
Snowboarder Lingo
bail:
To crash or fall.
biff:
To fall.
Board Betty/
Board Bro:
Female/male snowboarder, respectively.
bump:
A bump in the snow.
carve:
To turn the board on its edge without
sliding.
face plant:
Eating snow unintentionally; falling face
first.
fun box:
A platform with banked sides.
grabbing air:
Attaining altitude; being airborne.
grom (grommet): Small or young snowboarder.
half-pipe:
A curved ramp on which snowboarders
compete.
hucker:
A snowboarder who throws him/herself
recklessly through the air and does not
land on his/her feet.
jib:
To ride on something other than snow,
i.e., rails, boxes, skiers.
kink:
A change in a rail angle.
shred:
Another word for snowboarding.
ride:
Yet another word for snowboarding.
newbie:
A beginner.
quarter-pipe:
One side of a mini-ramp.
ripper:
Someone who snowboards really well.
stick:
Another name for a snowboard.
stomp:
A good landing.
superpipe:
A large half-pipe.
How to Choose the
Right Snowshoes
With winter upon us, snowshoeing is a great
way to explore the outdoors. There are many
local trails and parks where the joy of snowshoeing can be experienced. However, to begin snowshoeing, one must select a pair of snowshoes
to buy, or even better, rent a pair to try before
buying. Snowshoes, unlike other snow gear, are
relatively easy to shop for, once you know the
basics.
Snowshoe Components
Snowshoes all share the same basic components. These components consist of the frame and
decking, the bindings, and traction devices.
Frame and Decking: You may recall the snowshoes of yesteryear where the frames were made
of wood. You may even have a pair decorating
your recreation room or garage wall. Today,
snowshoe frames are generally constructed of
aluminum or have no frame at all. The goal is to
be strong but lightweight. The decking or platform can be composed of Hypalon rubber decking (hard decking that does not require a frame)
or composite rubber decking (stable and very
durable). Either configuration works well.
Bindings: Bindings are used to attach your
boots to the snowshoe—generally consisting of
a platform with nylon straps that go over the
boot and heel to secure your foot. Bindings are
adjustable and either lace to provide a tight fit or
provide the proper fit using a ratcheting strap.
The adjustable nature of bindings allow you to
wear a variety of footgear, such as hiking boots,
mountaineering boots, snowboard boots or
a lightweight running boot.
Bindings come in two types. The first
type is the rotating binding, which can
pivot at the point where it is attached to
the binding. Dependent upon the method
of attachment, these bindings can pivot 90
degrees or more and cause the tail or rear
portion of the snowshoe to fall away as you
step which will reduce leg fatigue and shed
snow. Rotating bindings can also help in
kicking steps into steep hills.
Fixed bindings are attached to the decking using heavy duty rubber or neoprene
material. Fixed bindings cause the snowshoe tail to rise with each step, which makes
for a comfortable pace and it is easier to
navigate obstacles and to reverse direction.
Traction Devices: Snowshoes use various
types of crampons (metal-pointed spikes
that provide a grip on snow and ice) to
provide traction.
Toe or instep crampons are located
underneath the bindings and pivot with
your feet as you walk.
Heel crampons are placed under the
decking (oftentimes in a “V” formation)
and provide heel traction, especially helpful for downhill descents.
Traction bars are located on the undersides of the decking as well and provide
lateral stability on cross slopes.
What is the Correct Size Snowshoe?
Snowshoes today generally come in
three basic sizes: 10” x 36”, 9” x 30” and 8”
x 25”. Specialty snowshoes for women (8”
x 21”) and children (6” x 15” and 7” x 18”)
are smaller.
Two basic criteria are used to determine the correct size snowshoe. The first
is your weight including any gear you
carry and the second is the snow conditions and terrain.
Weight Including Gear: Your weight
including any gear you will carry is used to
determine your recommended load or carrying capacity. In general, a heavier person
with a large pack will use a larger snowshoe
than a smaller person with no gear. After all,
a snowshoe is a platform that allows you
to “float” upon the snow. The more weight
you have, the larger the platform required.
When shopping for snowshoes, be sure to
follow the weight recommendations from
the manufacturer.
Snow Conditions and Terrain: Snow conditions and terrain can vary greatly during
the winter, even in the same region. For
example, you may encounter dry, powdery
snow during the height of the winter season
but wet, dense snow during the late winter
season. Also, terrain can vary as well. Using
smaller snowshoes to climb steep terrain or
packed forest trails are preferred but larger
snowshoes are recommended in large, flat
areas with large drifts.
Types of Snowshoe Activities
If you like to snowshoe in the backcountry with tough conditions and terrain, you
will require a much different snowshoe
than the recreational user who will snowshoe in the local park. Snowshoes that are
appropriate for any activity type are based
upon the factors mentioned earlier; bindings, and traction devices.
Basic or Recreational: This user generally
uses snowshoes designed for local parks
or trails with rolling terrain. It is the most
popular snowshoe and is generally the least
expensive. The bindings are easy to adjust
and have simple crampons.
Adventure: For the more adventurous of
us, this activity uses more difficult terrain
and requires a snowshoe with more solid
bindings and better traction.
Backcountry: The most rugged type of
snowshoe activity of all is backcountry,
which may include winter summits, backpacking or backcountry snowboarding.
Snowshoes for this activity tend to be larger,
have much more traction and have snowboard type bindings. These snowshoes are
suited for steep ascents and icy ground.So,
which snowshoe is the best for you? The
best recommendation is to get the smallest
snowshoe that will support your weight
with gear for the snow conditions and terrain you will experience. If you tend to use
snowshoes on local trails that are tame, a
recreational snowshoe is your best choice.
For the infrequent rugged trail or ascent,
consider renting snowshoes for the day.
Mountain Chalet in downtown Colorado
Springs rents snowshoes at reasonable rates.
They can be reached at (719) 633-0732.
Now that you know a little about snowshoes, there’s no excuse for sitting on the
couch this winter. Get out there and discover snowshoeing. You’ll be glad you did.
Be safe out there!
Avalanche Dangers and How to Avoid Them
What is an avalanche?
An avalanche is a mass of snow sliding
down a mountainside. Avalanches are also
called snowslides; there is no difference in
these terms.
What causes an avalanche?
An avalanche occurs when the stress
(from gravity) trying to pull the snow
downhill exceeds the strength (from bonds
between snow grains) of the snow cover.
There are four ingredients of an avalanche:
1. A steep slope
2. A snow cover
3. A weak layer in the snow cover
4. A trigger
When are avalanches most likely to occur?
The avalanche danger increases with
major snowstorms and periods of thaw.
About 2,300 avalanches are reported to the
Avalanche Center in an average winter.
More than 80 percent of these fall during or
just after large snowstorms. The most avalanche-prone months are, in order, February,
March, and January. Avalanches caused by
thaw occur most often in April.
Where do avalanches occur?
About 90 percent of all avalanches start
on slopes of 30–45 degrees; about 98 percent
of all avalanches occur on slopes of 25–50
degrees. Avalanches release most often on
slopes above timberline that face away from
prevailing winds (leeward slopes collect
snow blowing from the windward sides of
ridges.) Avalanches can run, however, on
small slopes well below timberline, such as
gullies, road cuts, and small openings in the
trees. Very dense trees can anchor the snow
to steep slopes and prevent avalanches from
starting; however, avalanches can release
and travel through a moderately dense forest. Most avalanches occur in the backcountry, outside of developed ski areas.
How can backcountry users recognize avalanche terrain?
Most large avalanche paths are obvious:
an open slope, bowl, or gully above timberline that leads to a swath through the trees.
But small avalanche paths in the trees can
be just as dangerous. Slope angle is the most
important factor, so you should carry a slope
meter. You also need to observe snow deposition patterns and the effects of anchors
such as rocks or trees that might prevent
avalanches on some slopes. Finally, bent or
damaged trees are good clues that show
where avalanches have run in the past.
How can you keep from getting caught in an
avalanche?
You can reliably avoid avalanches by
recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain.
Travel at the valley floor away from large
avalanche run-outs, along ridgetops above
avalanche paths, in dense timber, or on
slopes of 25 degrees or less that do not have
steeper slopes above them. Avoid cornices
on ridgetops.
You cannot entirely eliminate risk if you
travel in avalanche terrain, but you can minimize risk by using good technique, such as:
climb, descend, or cross avalanche areas one
at a time; cross a slope at the very top or bottom if possible; climb or descend the edge
of a slope rather than the center; carry and
know how to use avalanche rescue gear; and
turn back or alter your route if you detect
signs of unstable snow.
How can you recognize unstable snow?
When the snow cover is very unstable,
nature often broadcasts clear danger signals.
Fresh avalanches are the best clue. Snow that
cracks, collapses, or makes hollow sounds is
also unstable. Weak layers that are found
by digging snow pits are signs of unstable
snow. Snow that has become wet from
thaw or rain can be dangerous. Even if you
find no signs of unstable snow, you should
always travel using the techniques listed
above for minimizing risk.
What rescue gear should you carry?
You should always have an avalanche
transceiver (or beacon), shovel, and a collapsible or ski-pole probe. You should practice frequently to be proficient in using your
beacon. You should not take extra risk just
because you have rescue equipment.
What can you do if you are caught in an
avalanche?
Surviving avalanches can depend on
luck; therefore, it is always better to avoid
them in the first place. Remember that only
one of three victims buried without a beacon survives. If you are caught, first try to
escape to the side, or grab a tree or rock.
If you are knocked down, get rid of your
poles, skis, and a heavy pack. Swim with
the avalanche to try to stay on top and
avoid trees. When the avalanche slows
down, reach for the surface or make an
air pocket.
How can you learn of current conditions?
Several telephone hotlines in Colorado
carry recorded messages of current and
forecasted weather, snow, and avalanche
conditions, or you can visit the avalanche
hotline web page. Information is updated
at least once a day and should be used for
trip-planning only. Once in the backcountry, you may find different conditions and
may have to alter your routes or plans
accordingly in the interest of avalanche
safety.
Avalanche hotline
Current information on mountain weather, snow and avalanche conditions is available from the avalanche hotline. Contact
Colorado Avalanche Information Center,
325 Broadway St., Boulder, CO 80305;
(719) 520-0020 or (303) 499-9650 or
http://www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche.
What is the Colorado Avalanche
Information Center?
The Colorado Avalanche Information
Center (CAIC) is a program of the
Colorado Geological Survey. Its goal is
to minimize the impact of avalanches
on the people and property of Colorado
through a dual mission of forecasting and
education.
During the 2003–2004 season the public made 514,900 visits to the forecast web
page and 28,226 calls to the telephone hotlines. In addition the center disseminated
293,000 forecasts via e-mail to observers
and Friends of the CAIC. To help spread
the information 11 mountain radio stations broadcast the hotline messages daily.
The CAIC website was visited 1,311,067
times by people looking for avalanche
information. CAIC personnel presented
95 avalanche awareness talks and seminars, reaching on a personal level some
2,832 people.
Source: Colorado Avalanche Information
Center
10
Join the Club
Running Clubs Abound
By Anita Louise
“It’s easier to find a spouse than a running partner,” jokes Jon Cornick, a board
member of the Pikes Peak Road Runners.
“Really, if you want to find a running partner that is of a similar ability with similar
goals, it is going to be very difficult outside
of a running club.”
Lucky for those of us in the Pikes Peak
region, running clubs abound. The clubs all
have distinct philosophies, approaches and
favorite running events they host or attend,
but all the clubs have one common goal:
having a really good time.
There are many people who think running in -13 degrees Fahrenheit weather is
anything but a good time. However, if it
sounds like fun to you, check out the Incline
Club’s website at www.inclineclub.com. The
Incline Club is a self-proclaimed “group of
nuts” who meet most Sundays of the year
for long runs on and around Pikes Peak.
Any running enthusiast is invited to deviate
from the horizontal by joining this group.
Simply check out their training schedule
and locations on their website and show
up. The Incline Club season starts the last
Sunday in November—no, “November” is
not a typo … that’s why they call themselves
“nuts”—and continues through August. If
you decide to show up for a Sunday run,
come prepared. The weather is unpredictable and occasionally dangerous on Pikes
Peak. You’ll need appropriate attire, as well
as plenty of water and nutritious munchies.
The club also recommends that you bring
extra water and snacks to consume immediately after the run. Hydration and calories
are important for after-run recovery.
If you’re looking for a running club
experience not requiring recovery, check
out the Pikes Peak Road Runners website
at www.pprrun.org. The group has nearly
700 members from the Pikes Peak region.
Membership in the club offers a number
of benefits, including discounted race registrations, advice on training and events
via an award-winning monthly newsletter,
and camaraderie. There are opportunities
for kids to get involved in the club, too,
which makes running with this group a
nice, healthy family activity.
The Pikes Peak Road Runners' Winter
Series consists of four races. The races in the
series are of progressively longer distances.
According to board member Cornick, the
series is a good one for all ability levels.
“There’s a short Winter Series and a long
Winter Series,” explains Cornick. “The races
are held at the same time, so depending on
your ability, you may go out and run a 5K
and finish, while the guy next to you turns
around and runs an additional 5K.”
Of course, there are some people who
would rather drink a brew after their run
than drink a Gatorade. If this sounds like
your “mug of beer” join Jack Quinn’s
Running Club. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m., the
club meets at the Tejon Street pub to run
a 5K. After the run, they meet back at Jack
Quinn’s to eat and drink. The restaurant
offers the runners free food and a beer discount. Hundreds of people are participating
in the weekly run. The club’s website (www.
jackquinnsrunners.com) offers a lot of information and some interesting photographs,
too.
Speaking of interesting, Team C.R.U.D. is
another Colorado Springs-area running club
that exudes fun, fellowship with a couple
of quirks. The membership requirements?
None, except the willingness to accept a
purple pineapple as your club symbol. Team
C.R.U.D. is an informal group of friends
who run long distances throughout the
Pikes Peak/Front Range region. Some of the
members actively participate in local races
and others don’t. For more information, visit
their website at www.teamcrud.com.
Other running clubs also exist in the
Pikes Peak region, many with very unique
agendas and memberships. Some of the
clubs also have subgroups—groups for children or women, for example. Other clubs
offer opportunities to engage in community
service projects and fundraisers. Running
stores are great sources of information about
local clubs and their offerings. The staff
at Runners Roost, for example, can point
customers in the direction of a running
club to suit particular goals, as well as any
equipment needed to make participation in
a group more pleasurable.
Not that running with a club needs to
be made more pleasurable. According to a
recent animal study, rats who run in groups
receive more neurological benefits than rats
who run alone. Rats who exercised in
a social environment not only received
the anticipated physical benefits of running, they also stimulated the growth of
new brain neurons. Rats who exercised
in isolation, on the other hand, produced
fewer new brain neurons and also showed
higher levels of stress hormones.
Of course there are some people who
receive the most stress relief by running
alone and giving themselves some “me”
time. The rat study seems to indicate,
though, that socialized running has many
benefits.
Besides the potential socialization benefits, running clubs offer several others. One
benefit frequently cited by runners is the
barometer group membership provides
for gauging personal performance. For
example, imagine you are regularly training with, and racing, Guy “X”. Historically,
you’ve outperformed him, but now he’s
beating you. That regular competition
informs and motivates you to kick up your
training a notch.
Another frequently mentioned benefit
is the extra measure of safety that running
in a group provides. Many Pikes Peak area
running trails present unique physical and
weather-related challenges. It would not
be prudent to run alone on an isolated trail
in winter. Running in a group, however,
makes that situation less risky. Getting
caught with a sprained ankle in a foot of
snow is difficult to handle alone, but with a
couple of trusted running partners around,
the situation’s almost bearable.
And it’s easy to find partners when
you join a club. Joining a running club has
many benefits: camaraderie, safety, and
helping to achieve your training goals to
name a few. Find the one that best fits you
… and join in!
11
High School Rock
Climbing Competition
First in a Series
THE ROCK Climbing Center in Monument hosted
the first High School Climbing Series competition on
December 2, 2006.
A total of 43 students participated, representing eleven schools and one home school. Liberty High School
took first and third places in the team event, with
Fountain Valley School going home with second and
fourth. Fountain Valley also took first place in the Novice
category.
Lewis-Palmer’s, Chauncey Cox, was Saturday’s overall
and top female competitor. She was followed by Tyler
Youngwerth in second, and Jesse Youngwerth in third.
The fourteen-year-old twins both attend the Colorado
Springs School.
The top male competitor was David Carlile, of Civa
Charter School, with Spencer Williams and Alex Garrett,
from Liberty, coming in second and third, respectively.
THE ROCK’s competition used a red-point format,
which means that climbers have multiple chances to get to
the top of a bouldering problem or climb. The high-school
students had to complete a total of five climbs, with at
least two in each category (climb and boulder), to have
their scores count.
Ben Schmitt, a senior at Palmer High School, provided
the impetus to start the event by contacting the staff at
THE ROCK Climbing Center. Schmitt says, “I’ve always
wanted to have a climbing team at Palmer. If we get this
high-school series going, I will consider it my most important contribution to the climbing community.”
Currently, there is no statewide or nationwide climbing series specifically geared towards high-school students. Schmitt hopes to change that by enlisting the aid
of climbing gyms around the state. This year, the series
will focus on gyms in the southern part of the state, but
the plan is to build it to include high schools and gyms
around Colorado.
This was the first competition in a series of five that will
take place at THE ROCK Climbing Center in Monument
and Rock’n and Jam’n 2 in Centennial. High-school teams
will qualify for the finals in May based on their top three
finishes at the series competitions.
Each school may bring as many participants as it
likes. The climbers will be scored as individuals, and
then the top three scores in each category (Advanced,
Intermediate, Novice) will be added together to create a
team score. Trophies will be given to the top three teams
overall as well as to the top five individual finishers in
each category.
“Share the Road”
License Plates Will Benefit Bicyclists
Sign the Petition to Create the Plate
1. Add your name: Sign the petition to get these “Share the Road”
license plates approved by the state legislature (they need 3,000
petition signatures—online or in person).
2. Spread the word: Please urge your friends to support this petition.
The more supporters, the better the chance of getting this license
plate approved.
3. Become a member: Please consider joining Bicycle Colorado. Your
membership helps to provide the funding needed to get this license
plate approved and to build a bicycle-friendly Colorado.
Funding from each “Share the Road” license plate will support Bicycle
Colorado’s “Share the Road Education Fund”—making roads safer and more
welcoming for bicyclists. Programs include:
• Educating motorists on how to safely share the road
• Educating bicyclists
on the rules of the
road and safe riding
• Educating event
directors and
bicyclists on best
practices for event
safety
• Providing
guidance to
bicyclists
involved in
crashes
• Reaching
out to law
enforcement on
the rights and
responsibilities of motorists
and bicyclists
For more information, go to: www.bicyclecolo.org.
High School Winner Chauncey Cox
Photo taken by Robert Weber
12
Treating Injuries
Alternative Therapies Can
Offer New Hope
By Sky Warnke
Nothing can ruin a great outdoors
adventure faster than an injury. With
more and more alternative therapies coming into the mainstream, the choices for
treating your injuries and getting back
doing the things you love, have increased.
However, with all of these options it can
be quite confusing. This article is not
intended to be a definitive guide to all
alternative therapy options, but to open
doors you may have not have known
about and give you a quick peek.
Acupuncture
Most people have at least a general idea
of what acupuncture is (a technique of
inserting and then manipulating needles
into acupuncture points on the body),
however, few may realize that it can be
very effective in treating an acute injury.
“I can reduce the pain and swelling of a
sprain by at least 50 percent if I can treat
it within the first 24 hours,” explained
Cathy Di Maggio, TCM (Master’s in
Chinese Medicine and licensed acupuncturist), from North Springs Acupuncture.
“In addition, the sooner you can get to
a practitioner, the sooner we can correct
the acute problem so it doesn’t become
chronic.”
A misconception that Cathy would like
to clear up is that acupuncture is painful.
“The needles are as thin as your hair and
don’t tear the skin; some people might
feel a very tiny prick, however most don’t.
In fact, many of my clients fall asleep once
all the needles are inserted,” Cathy said.
Cathy further explained that they “don’t
need to treat the injury—we work on the
body’s meridians.” (Meridians are any
of the pathways along which the body’s
vital energy flows according to the theory
behind acupuncture.) Acupuncture can
also be used to help with headaches and
other aches that show up weeks after the
initial injury.
Chiropractics
“Chiropractics isn’t usually
the first option people think
of when injured,” explained
Vincent Loparco, DC, with Rocky
Mountain Chiropractic & Sports
Rehab Center. “Yet often we can
help reduce the inflammation and
promote healing for most injuries,
including things like sprained
ankles and twisted knees.”
“It makes sense to start with
the least invasive options when
confronted with an outdoor
related injury,” Dr. Loparco said.
“Chiropractics first, drugs second,
and surgery last, is the way I look
at treating injuries.” Dr. Laparco
also combines other physiological
therapies, such as muscle stimulation and ultrasound, into treatment plans. Massage therapy also
plays a huge role. “If we don’t
release trigger points, we are only
treating half the problem, not the
whole injury.” (Trigger points are
accumulations of body toxins
around nerve receptors that form
in muscles/soft tissue which have
been overused or injured.)
Shane Conrad, DC, of Conrad
Chiropractic, explained that chiropractics
can help in treating all kinds of injuries.
“From acute injuries that have just happened, to subacute injuries that are a
week or so old, to the chronic pain of
maybe a knee injury that flares up when
out hiking.”
“Pain is a warning sign that there is
something wrong with the body,” Dr.
Conrad said. He further explained, however, that chiropractics isn’t just about
pain. Many people also look to chiropractics for maintenance and/or preventative
care. The concept of preventative care
is that if you stay in “game” shape, you
reduce the chances of injuries when you
do return to your outdoor activities after
either an injury, or when your favorite
sport’s season swings back around. Seeing
the chiropractor once a week or month to
“reduce the damage done daily” can help
your golf swing in the spring, or hitting
the slopes the first time each season, less
painful. “We don’t live in a bubble; even
how you hold your cell phone can contribute to misalignment,” said Dr. Conrad.
Herbs
Herbs are another option that probably doesn’t come to many people’s minds
when an injury happens, yet Jeff Sherman,
Master Herbalist with Coast Herbal, said
he has many herbal remedies that promote and quicken healing.
“Recently I was working with a woman
who had broken her wrist,” explained
Jeff. “I had hand-selected a product for
her and when she went to her doctor to
have her cast removed, the doctor was
amazed saying her injury was about a
month ahead of normal healing.”
Jeff also has several topical applications for injuries that include deep bruising. “Remember to never put anything on
your skin that isn’t safe to eat.” Jeff warns.
“There are some very toxic chemicals in
various over-the-counter lotions and they
can be absorbed through the skin.”
continued on page 13
13
Treating Injuries
continued from page 12
Prolotherapy
Sports Medicine
Chronic joint pain either caused or
aggravated by an outdoor activity might
benefit from prolotherapy. Prolotherapy,
simply explained, is an injection technique
where a natural solution, generally at
least 25 percent simple dextrose, is injected into the area of pain. (Prolotherapy
does not use steroids.) This solution is
customized for each patient and basically
causes an inflammation in the area of
ligament instability to activate the body
into a natural healing. Mary Harrow, DO,
explained that, “chronic joint pain can be
eliminated” using this therapy.
“People tend to over use injuries,” said
Jodi Wilcox, an athletic trainer with River
to Ridgeline Sports Medicine. She worries
that many people have the misconception that they should “work through or
run through an injury, or that they have
to stop exercising until they are healed.”
With sports medicine an evaluation takes
place to see exactly what is injured; then
using a variety of therapies, such as ultrasound, heat/cold, and muscle stimulation
the injury is treated and an exercise plan
is designed so the athlete doesn’t have to
give up their fitness plan. Jodi advocates
working in conjunction with other professionals such as chiropractors and massage
therapists to provide a well-rounded plan
of treatment.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is an interesting option
for assisting the body in healing, especially for chronic pain. Neurofeedback
involves a few painless minutes in front
of a computer screen with electrodes
attached to your scalp. “Neurofeedback
is, basically, brain training that can help
your body work better and assist the body
in healing,” explained Jeff Sherman from
Colorado Springs Neurofeedback Center.
Neurofeedback has many uses, such as
working with ADD/ADHD or depression,
etc. However, Jeff wants people to know
that it can also help with chronic pain.
Muscle Activation Technique
“Most people have been trained to
stretch tight muscles,” Brad Carlson, CPT,
RTS, MATS, said when talking about how
MAT (Muscle Activation Technique) can
help treat injuries. “Whereas research is
showing that muscle tightness is secondary to muscle weakness. In other words,
the tight muscle is protecting the body
from using the weak opposite action muscle. A good example would be that a tight
hamstring is protecting the use of weak
hip flexors or trunk flexors.”
Through an evaluation which includes
a range of motion testing, MAT finds the
body’s biomechanical weaknesses, and
then palpates the inhibited muscle where
it begins and ends. The palpitation helps
to restore the neurological input from the
nervous system to the muscle. “I have
done MAT on an athlete who sprained an
ankle and they were able to play the very
next day,” explained Brad.
Medical Massage Therapy
Medical massage therapy might be an
option to consider for injuries as it is “scientific-based with measurable results,”
said Sharon A. Thomas, NCMMT, LMT.
“Medical massage therapy is more clinically directed. There is a series of specialized testing looking for the specific
muscles involved.”
“We start with a history and then
visual posture, looking for postural deviations. We also palpate the soft tissue
looking at the tissue quality to determine
where the injury is and what treatments
to use,” explained Sharon.
Sharon thought it was important to
remind people of the RICE protocol when
dealing with an injury. “When you have
an injury, remember the word RICE,
which stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation.”
Craniosacral Therapy
The mysteries of the body are many,
but every day we learn more and more.
Craniosacral therapy is one of many
modalities on the cutting edge of not
only helping to heal injuries, but in the
general care and maintenance of the body.
“Anywhere in the body affects everything
in the body,” says Richard Challenner, a
licensed massage therapist and registered
craniosacral therapist with Vision Quest
Health Alternatives.
Craniosacral is the realignment of
the body’s systems on a fluid level by
effecting the interaction between the tissues. “There is an ebb and flow to the
body,” explained Richard. “And an injury
impedes or blocks that rhythm. The injury
isn’t always where we think it is. The longer an injury remains, the more cascading the symptoms are. With craniosacral
therapy, we can find the main blockage.”
Through a light touch, a practitioner
can tell whether the fluids are flowing
and if not, establish an avenue for the
fluids to return to their natural flow.
Craniosacral is also good for both acute
and chronic injuries.
Body Restoration Technique
Body Restoration Technique (BRT)
works with the energy flow of the body.
“Body Restoration Technique is a noninvasive method of locating and removing energy blockages,” explained John
Erickson, DC, with Erickson Chiropractic.
“Through muscle testing, organ reflex
testing, etc., we evaluate the breakdown
in the body’s communications.”
Using the body’s reflex points, similar
to acupressure, BRT helps the practitioner
to understand why the body is responding inappropriately and then provides the
assistance to reestablish the appropriate
communication. This restored communication then allows the body to heal.
Kineseotaping/Unweighted Therapy/
Body Composition Analysis
Making its first appearance several
years back at the Olympics with the
Japanese team, kineseotaping can enhance
recovery and facilitate normal motion.
“Kineseotaping utilizes special elastic
tape to tape an injury allowing for normal
motion, yet providing stabilization,” said
Duane H. Smith, BSDC, a chiropractor
with Metro Health Services.
Dr. Smith also explained unweighted
therapy as good choice for any leg or
mobility injuries. “We put the patient in
a harness much like a mountain climbing
one and then have them do full range
motion therapy with only a percentage
of their body weight on the injury.” This
allows for less pain and fatigue and a
speedier recovery.
Hydration is an important aspect of
healing so therefore having a body composition analysis done might offer important
information. This procedure is quick and
provides details as to how much lean
muscle, water, and fat content your body
has. The test also provides your risk ratios
for cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
Body composition analysis is not only a
preventative tool, but one for monitoring
your rehab,” explained Dr. Smith.
Physical Therapy
Even more traditional modalities, like
physical therapy, are incorporating a more
holistic approach to healing. “We develop
a one-on-one plan for treating both injuries
and future goals using a multi-discipline
approach to rehabilitation,” explained
Paul Holcomb, with In Motion Physical
Therapy and Wellness Center.
Some of these therapies you may have
heard of, some are new territory, but all
of them and many more have so much to
offer in the way of healing injuries. Think
outside the box and look for alternatives
that fit with your lifestyle.
Do your research. Research not only
the modality, but also the provider. Ask
your friends and activity buddies what
has and hasn’t worked for them. Don’t
live with pain and let your injury prevent
you from doing the things you enjoy. And
for goodness sake, keep an open mind.
There are a plethora of options, some may
be for you and some may not, but they
may at least be worth a look.
The one comment virtually every professional interviewed for this article made
was that people erroneously believe that
they have to live with pain. Don’t miss
out on the entire ski season when there
are options out there to get you back on
the slopes. Having a twisted knee from
hiking isn’t a good excuse for becoming
a couch potato. Explore your options and
get back outdoors!
This article should not be misconstrued as medical advice. Professional
medical attention should be sought
immediately for any serious injuries.
This article is for informational purposes
only and is not an endorsement of any
modality or provider.
14
Alternative Therapy — Quick Reference
Acupuncture
North Springs Acupuncture
1465 Kelly Johnson Blvd #320
(719) 598-9200
Rocky Mountain Chiropractic
& Sports Rehab Center
1880 Dublin Blvd., Suite E
(719) 535-9900
Body Restoration Technique
Craniosacral Therapy
Erickson Chiropractic
3709 Parkmoor Village Drive
Suite 105
(719) 573-9700
Vision Quest Health Alternatives
2812 W. Colorado Avenue
(719) 213-7066
Chiropractic
Jeff Sherman—Master Herbalist
(Coast Herbal)
3715 Cherry Plum Drive
(719) 282-6070
Conrad Chiropractic
5962 Stetson Hills Blvd.
(719) 596-8700
Metro Health Services
4740 Flintridge Drive, Suite 101
(719) 594-0071
Herbal
Medical Massage Therapy
Sharon A. Thomas, NCMMT, LMT
1619 Saratoga Drive
(719) 630-3199
Muscle Activation
Specialists
Prolotherapy
Brad Carlson, CPT, RTS, MATS
8230 Westwood Road
(719) 527-0452
Mary Harrow, DO
2130 Hollow Brook Drive
Suite 102
(719) 531-6778
Neurofeedback
Sports Medicine
Colorado Springs Neurofeedback
Center
3715 Cherry Plum Drive
(719) 282-6070
River to Ridgeline Sports
Medicine
773 Gold Hill Place
Woodland Park, CO 80866
(719) 661-4254
Physical Therapy
In Motion Physical Therapy
and Wellness Center
4209 Centennial Blvd.
(719) 268-8939
15
Don Some Cross-Country
Skis and Away You Go
By Anita Louise
It’s true that winter is waving her snowy hand upon
us. But does that mean you must stay indoors to avoid
her wrath? Heavens, no. You wouldn’t settle in these
parts if you were afraid of a little snow. Just grab some
cross-country skis, some warm clothes, and a good attitude and away you go.
As you slip into your cross-country ski gear, think of
the millions of folks who’ve done so before you, over
thousands of years. After all, the oldest skis ever found
are estimated to be 5,000 years old. The bindings on these
first skis were loose toe straps, indicating that they were
used for cross-country skiing. Those first skiers weren’t
just looking for an awesome aerobic exercise, they were
searching for an easier means of traveling over snow.
Nowadays, we travel so we can ski. And fortunately
for many of us, we don’t have to travel far to experience
a decent cross-country ski adventure. According to the
Pikes Peak National Forest District officials, cross-country skiing is allowed on all open forest trails. Rangers
suggest that skiers perform some weather research before
heading out into a national forest to ski. They also recommend that skiers inform loved ones about intended
destinations and return times.
According to Mountain Chalet sales manager, Matt
Chmielarczyk, one of the best pieces of “equipment” to
take with you is knowledge. Chmielarczyk also believes
it’s important for folks to understand the body temperature changes that skiers experience. “This type of
activity produces a lot of body heat,” says Chmielarczyk.
“Dressing in layers is helpful, so that as body heat
increases, layers can be removed.”
Chmielarczyk cautions, though, that even with the
proper clothing, there will be instances where skiers find
themselves cold and/or wet. “Sometimes people will call
us about skiing conditions,” he says. “They’re looking for
some sort of guarantee that there will be perfect conditions and there is no guarantee. The level of uncertainty
is inherent in the activity.”
But don’t let a little uncertainty stop you. Take winter’s
snowy hand and give it a good shake hello. Then take your
equipment, knowledge, and great attitude and head on out
for a cross-country ski adventure.
Ungroomed Trails
A popular destination among local skiers is the Crags
Campground area. Skiers park in the campground lot at
the end of the camp road. Take the trail that leads to the
top of Pikes Peak (via Devil’s Playground) or to the nearby Crags area. Trails here are natural and not groomed,
so the first skiers will provide some tracks for the rest of
us. To get to the campground consult a good trail map
and the following directions:
From Colorado Springs, take U.S. 24 west for 25 miles
through Woodland Park to Divide. Turn left (south) onto
Hwy 67 and drive 4.3 miles. Mueller State Park will be
on the right; look to the left for a ranch and a sign for
the Rocky Mountain Camp and Crags Campground, 3.5
miles uphill. The road is gravely, bumpy, narrow and
oftentimes snow-covered. High-clearance vehicles with
good snow tires or 4WD vehicles are recommended.
As derived from the directions above, nearby Mueller
State Park anchors at the west side of Pikes Peak. It is
also a popular destination among local cross-country
skiers. Also note that the park’s trails are natural and not
groomed. Since the park’s roads are paved, your typical
family vehicle with good winter tires should work here.
The park’s website containing a brochure and a detailed
trail map can be accessed at www.parks.state.co.us.
Colorado State Parks offers the following trail suggestions depending on skill level:
Beginning snowshoers and skiers:
Advanced snowshoers and skiers:
Campground—Ski on the unplowed road to the Grouse
Mountain trailhead. When you reach the trailhead, ski to
the Grouse Mountain turnoff. Round-trip distance = 2.2
miles.
Cheesman Ranch—Ski on the unplowed road to the
Grouse Mountain trailhead. At the Grouse Mountain
trailhead, ski the Trail 17 loop. Round-trip distance = 7.0
miles.
Outlook Ridge—Ski on Trail 7 until it intersects Trail 9.
Return the same way. Round-trip distance = 1.4 miles.
Ranger Ridge—Ski on Trail 2 and Trail 3. While the loop
is not very long, it is most definitely challenging. Roundtrip distance = 1.9 miles.
School Pond—Ski the Trail 2 loop by following the
orange arrows. This trail offers moderate to difficult hills.
Round-trip distance = 1.5 miles.
Intermediate snowshoers and skiers:
Lost Pond—To complete the loop, follow the blue arrows.
Ski the following trails in order: Trail 11, Trail 25, Trail 7,
Trail 1 back to the Lost Pond trailhead. Round-trip distance = 2.4 miles.
Homestead—This loop consists of the following trails:
Trail 12, Trail 26, Trail 25 (Lost Pond), Trail 11, Trail 1.
Follow the connection back to the Homestead trailhead.
Round-trip distance = 3.3 miles.
Elk Meadow—Short route: This loop consists of the
following trails: Trail 18, Trail 19. Follow Trail 19 to the
Peak View trailhead. From there, ski the road to the Elk
Meadow parking lot. Round-trip distance = 1.8 miles.
Long route: This is a more challenging loop: Trail 18 to
Trail 17. Turn left on Trail 17 and ski it back to the Grouse
Mountain trailhead. Ski the road back to Elk Meadow
parking lot. Round-trip distance = 4.8 miles.
If you need additional suggestions on where to find
other nearby trails, try www.e-TrailMaps.com. Also, the
folks at Mountain Chalet, a downtown Colorado Springs
ski shop, are a great resource. The shop also has skis available for rent or purchase, as well as advice on the necessary
gear to make your experience more pleasurable.
Groomed Trails
For groomed trails, there are a number of Nordic
ski areas within a few hours drive from the Pikes Peak
region. Travel to Breckenridge to try out the Breckenridge
Nordic Ski Center and you will find 32 km of groomed
trails through spruce forests and open meadows. Also
in Breckenridge is the Gold Run Nordic Center, with
22 km of groomed trails with panoramic views of the
Continental Divide. In Frisco, try the Frisco Nordic Ski
Center which has 46 km of groomed trails that travel
along the shores of Lake Dillon. Both the Breckenridge
and the Frisco Nordic Ski Areas can be reached at
(970) 453-6855 or www.breckenridgenordic.com. In the
Keystone Ski Resort lies the Keystone Nordic Center. Its
groomed trails include 16 km of groomed trails and 57
km of packed trails through the White River National
Forest. Keystone Nordic Center can be reached at
(970) 496-4275 or http://keystone.snow.com/info/winter.
nordic.asp.
16
CALENDAR
of events
JANUARY
CHILDREN
Critter Tales
Castlewood Canyon Visitor Center,
Franktown
Thursday, January 18, 10–11 a.m.
Cost: $5 per vehicle entry fee to park
Join a naturalist for stories, fun, and a
craft as we get to know the wild residents
of Castlewood Canyon. Recommended
for ages 3–6. Meet at the visitor center.
Reservations required.
(303) 688-5242
Fountain Creek Nature Adventures:
Raptors
Fountain Creek Nature Center, Fountain
Wednesday, January 24, 10:00–11:30 a.m. &
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person including adults and
siblings
Children ages 3–6, with an adult, will enjoy
puppet shows, stories, crafts, hands-on
activities, and discovery time on the trail.
(719) 520-6745
DOGSLEDDING
28th Annual Grand County Sled Dog
Classic
Grand Elk Ranch & Club, Granby
Saturday, January 27–Sunday, January 28
Purse for this event is $2,000. The race site
will be the Grand Elk Ranch & Club across
Highway 40 from the entrance to SolVista
Ski Area.
www.rmsdc.com
HEALTH
These classes are offered as a “public
service” by Dr. D.H. Smith. Each class
is customized for those who attend in
relation to the topic.
Pain
Metro Health Services, Colorado Springs
Wednesday, January 17, 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Learn why we get pain and what to do
about it. Pain can be a guide to better
health. Make reservations early.
(719) 594-0071
Profile
The use of the mind in healing. The value
of picking a target and focusing.
(719) 594-0071
Fitness
Achieving fitness without pain. A major step
away from chronic sickness.
(719) 594-0071
HIKING
Hike (Trails and Open Space Coalition)
Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Colorado
Springs
Saturday, January 20, 8:30 a.m.
(719) 633-6884
HUNTING
Hunter Education Course
Sportsman’s Warehouse, Colorado Springs
Friday, January 26, 5:00–9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 27, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $10
This hunter education class is needed to
qualify for a Colorado Hunter Education
certificate. Preregister at the store.
(719) 597-9200
ICE CLIMBING
Ice Climbing Intro (Women Only)
Boulder
Saturday, January 21
Cost: $95
Discover the magical world of ice climbing!
You’ll learn how to use crampons and ice
tools, techniques required to climb on both
low-angle and steeper ice, and critical
safety skills for ice climbing. No previous
ice-climbing experience is necessary,
although belaying experience is required.
Includes climbing gear and lunch.
(303) 938-9191, www.womenswilderness.org
KAYAKING
Kayaking Pool Sessions
Cheyenne Mountain High School, Colorado
Springs
Starting Sunday January 21 (Sundays thru
Apr 22), 5–7 p.m.
Cost: Free for members, $20 for
nonmembers
Come join the Pikes Peak Whitewater Club
for our pool sessions. We’ll help you learn
to roll, inform you about the sport, and
provide opportunities to get on the river
with experienced paddlers who can help
show you the way.
www.pikespeakwhitewaterclub.com,
[email protected] (e-mail)
MISCELLANEOUS
Knot Tying: Learning the Ropes
Saturday, January 20, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $4
From overhand to half-hitch and square
knots, we’ll learn how to tie knots correctly
and the appropriate application for each
knot. Participants will receive a rope for
hands-on practice and instructions for tying
several common and useful knots.
(719) 520-6745
The Budweiser Select International Snow
Sculpture Championships
River Walk Center, Breckenridge
Tuesday, January 23–Sunday, January 28
For the 17th year, teams from around the
world compete in this eye-pleasing event,
creating works of art from 12-feet tall, 20ton blocks of snow. This event is a family
favorite that has something for everyone.
The sculptures will remain on display
through February 3 (weather permitting).
(877) 864-0868, www.gobreck.com
MOUNTAINEERING
Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup (COSMIC)
Snowmass
Starts are LeMans style: athletes run 50 ft.
to clip into their skis, then skin uphill to
the first gate, remove their skins, ski down
to the second gate and back up to the
third. This continues for four to five ascents
and descents (including a boot pack for the
race division on some courses).
(303) 318-4149, www.cosmicski.com
Eagles: Lords of the Sky
Saturday, January 27, 10 a.m.–noon
Cost: $3
Eagles are awesome creatures that have
been revered by various civilizations
throughout time. Join us for a slide show to
learn about eagles of the world, followed by
a hike to search for wintering eagles along
Fountain Creek. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6745
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock Steady 2 Climbing Competition
Lakewood Link Recreation Center,
Lakewood
Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: $20/$25
City of Lakewood’s 2nd annual climbing
competition. Red point format. Ages 8 and
up. Dress in your raddest '80s attire. Prizes
for best climbers and best '80s wear.
(303) 987-5400, www.signmeup.com
RUNNING
Colorado Running Company’s Cross
Country Caper (5K)
Bear Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs
Saturday, January 20, 10 a.m.
Cost: $10, $15 on race day
Rolling course on gravel trails and singletrack terrain with a few natural and/or
manmade obstacles to navigate.
(719) 520-6384, www.active.com,
www.pprun.org
PPRR Winter Series II (4 mi. and 8 mi.)
El Pomar Youth Sports Park, Colorado Springs
Second race in a series of four—courses are
mostly run on well-groomed dirt trails, or
dirt and paved country roads.
(719) 598-2953, www.pprrun.org
The Best Cross-Country Race on the Planet
Harlow Platts Community Park, Boulder
Men’s and women’s races: 4-mile course;
youth (5–14 years): 2-km course; Kids (4 and
under): 200-meter dash. The races are all
grass, all fun, and all weather and benefit
the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation
EXPAND program.
www.bestxcrace.com,
Polar Bear 5K
Washington Park, Denver
Sunday, January 28
(303) 694-2202, www.bkbltd.com
SKIING
NATURE
Challenge Aspen IPC Alpine World Cup
Aspen Mountain
Wednesday, January 17–Sunday, January 21
In partnership with U.S. Paralympics and
the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association,
this event marks the season opener for the
Disabled World Cup circuit and the race
for the Nation’s Cup—awarded to the best
overall team—and individual Globes for
Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom.
www.challengeaspen.com,
Winter Wildlife Walk for Adults
Bear Creek Nature Center, Colorado Springs
Saturday, January 27, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $2
Join a park naturalist for a moderate hike
along the Bear Creek trails in search of
wildlife and learn more about how plants
and animals survive the season. Meet new
friends and enjoy the outdoor scenery
of a winter morning in the foothills.
(719) 520-6387
Jeep’s US Freeskiing Open
Copper Mountain Resort
Wednesday, January 17–Sunday, January 21
The Jeep® US Freeskiing Open, the largest
and most respected contest in freeskiing,
will celebrate its 10th anniversary at
Copper Mountain Resort. The event carries
a $60,000 purse. It is the number one
showcase for freeski athletes and a forum
for cutting-edge skills and tricks.
www.coppercolorado.com,
SKIING (CROSS-COUNTRY)
Women’s Classic Clinic
Frisco Nordic Center, Summit County
Monday, January 15 & 22, 10 a.m.–noon
(970) 668-0866, www.frisconordic.com
Women’s Beginning Skate Clinic
Tuesday, January 16 & 23, 10 a.m.–noon
Women’s Intermediate/Advanced Skate
Clinics
Wednesday, January 17 & 24, 10 a.m.–noon
Twilight Social Nordic Ski Series #1
Gold Run Nordic Center, Breckenridge
Wednesday, January 17, 5:30 p.m.
The first race of the two-race Twilight
Snowshoe Series, featuring a torchlightshort and -long course for all. Headlamp
and desire to have fun required!
(970) 547-7889, www.goldrunnordic.com
Winter Wild COSMIC Backcountry Ski Race
Snowmass Mountain Resort
Cost: $60
The Winter Wild is the longest race of the
COSMIC series, taking racers from Snowmass
to Buttermilk. This course is snowdependant; if conditions aren’t favorable
the course will finish at Two Creeks.
Register online by midnight, January 17.
www.active.com
Gold Run Loppet, Colorado Cup #7 (15K,
30K Freestyle)
Breckenridge
SKIING (TELEMARK)
Intro to Telemark Skiing (Women only)
Eldora Mountain Resort
Cost: $110
Have fun learning the fundamentals of
making a telemark turn, linkng turns,
and safety skills with the coaching of
seasoned telemark instructors. No previous
experience necessary. Cost includes lift
ticket, rental equipment, and lunch.
SNOWSHOEING
Swift Skedaddle 10K, 4K
Breckenridge
Snowshoe and Orienteering Skills Clinic
(Women only)
Rocky Mountain National Park
Sunday, January 28
Cost: $95
Ditch the crowds! Learn snowshoeing
techniques, how to travel off-trail, read
a map in snowy terrain, compass skills,
and winter safety. No previous experience
necessary. Includes snowshoes and lunch.
TRIATHLON / DUATHLON
Chilly Cheeks Winter Duathlon
Cherry Creek State Park
Chilly Cheeks #2 will be a fun and unique
race. After completing a 1.5-mile run on
paths and roadways in the park, you will
mount your bikes for a 4-mile paved ride to
a second transition area. From here, you will
run 2.5 miles on roadways and paved and
dirt running paths, then hop on your bikes
again for a paved 6-mile ride.
17
CALENDAR
of events
FEBRUARY
(303) 642-7917, www.racingunderground.com
ASTRONOMY
Searching for Orion
Friday, February 16, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $2
Gaze upon the night sky, hear stories and
legends of many constellations, and enjoy
the sights and sounds of a winter evening
as we hike along the trails of Bear Creek.
(719) 520-6387
Telescope Workshop 101 & Star Party
Friday, February 16, 7–9 p.m.
Cost: $4
Bring the whole family to this indooroutdoor workshop to learn from experienced
astronomers how to use different kinds of
telescopes for exploring the night sky. Find
out which telescopes will be most effective
for you. Also, we will search the heavens for
nebulas, planets, star clusters, and more.
(719) 520-6745
BACKCOUNTRY
Backcountry Basics (Women only)
Rocky Mountain National Park
Saturday, February 10
Cost: $95
Play safely in the snow! Spend a day
learning avalanche awareness and critical
safety skills for winter touring on this
course designed for backcountry skiers and
snowboarders. Includes lunch.
Backcountry Skills Yurt Trip (Women only)
Cameron Pass (NW Colorado)
Wednesday, February 28–Friday, March 2
(3 days)
Cost: $415
Spend two nights in a wood-fired yurt and
three days developing solid winter skills.
You’ll learn backcountry ski and snowshoe
techniques, avalanche awareness, winter
safety skills, how to build a snow shelter,
and packing tips for extreme weather.
BIKING
Pikes Peak BMX races
Norris-Penrose Event Center (Indoors),
Colorado Springs
Friday, February 9: sign-up 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Saturday, February 10: sign-up 12–1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 11: sign-up 9–11:30 a.m.
(Redline Cup Qualifier)
Cost: $10 (Friday), $15 (Saturday),
$30 (Sunday)
All racers must be current members of the
American Bicycle Association (ABA).
(719) 235-3670, www.pikespeakbmx.com
BIRDING
Winter Birds at Bear Creek
Saturday, February 17, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $4
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Whose
feathers are flying around your backyard?
Learn to identify some winter residents,
make a birdie treat, and then head out to
find them in the park. Great for all ages!
(719) 520-6387
CHILDREN
DOGSLEDDING
KAYAKING
Nature Explorers: Furry Friends
Thursday, February 1, noon–1:15 p.m. &
2:00–3:15 p.m.
siblings
Young explorers ages 3–5, with an adult,
will enjoy hands-on nature activities,
puppet shows, crafts, and discovery time on
the trail. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6387
The Grand County Rendezvous
Grand Elk Ranch & Club, Granby
Saturday, February 3–Sunday, February 4
Purse for this event is $1,000 minimum.
The race site will be the Grand Elk Ranch &
Club across Highway 40 from the entrance
to SolVista Ski Area.
www.rmsdc.com
Kayaking Pool Sessions
Cheyenne Mountain High School, Colorado
Springs
Sundays (thru Apr 22), 5–7 p.m.
Cost: Free for members, $20 for
nonmembers
Come join the Pikes Peak Whitewater Club
for our pool sessions. We’ll help you learn
to roll, inform you about the sport, and
provide opportunities to get on the river
with experienced paddlers who can help
show you the way.
www.pikespeakwhitewaterclub.com,
Two’s & Three’s Outdoors: Duck, Duck,
Goose
Thursday, February 8, 10–11:15 a.m.
siblings
Share in the joy of your 2- or 3-year-old
child’s discovery as he or she enjoys a
story and an exploration hike outdoors.
(719) 520-6745
Nature Adventures: Rodent Friends
Wednesday, February 14, 10–11:30 a.m. &
1:30–3:00 p.m.
siblings
puppet shows, nature stories, crafts, handson activities, and discovery time on the
trail. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6745
Critter Tales
Castlewood Canyon Visitor Center,
Franktown
Thursday, February 15, 10–11 a.m.
Cost: $5 per vehicle entry fee to park
Join a naturalist for a scavenger hunt
around the park. Recommended for ages
3–6. Meet at the visitor center. Reservations
required.
(303) 688-5242
Nature Explorers: Whose Clues?
Thursday, February 15, noon–1:15 p.m. &
2–3:15 p.m.
siblings
Young explorers ages 3–5, with an adult,
will enjoy hands-on nature activities,
puppet shows, crafts, and discovery time on
the trail. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6387
Young Naturalists: Hands-on Science
Saturday, February 24, 10:00 a.m.–noon
Cost: $5
Children, ages 6 and older, are invited to
experience the wonders of nature with
hands-on science. Conduct indoor and
outdoor experiments to learn more about
our natural world! Reservations required.
(719) 520-6387
Nature Adventures: Tracks and Trails
Wednesday, February 28, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
& 1:30–3:00 p.m.
siblings
puppet shows, nature stories, crafts, handson activities, and discovery time on the
trail. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6745
1st Annual Rocky Mountain High Sled Dog
Sprints
Grand Mesa
Purse for this event is $1,000 minimum.
The race site will be the on the Grand Mesa
approximately 20 miles north of Cedaredge.
www.rmsdc.com
FISHING
10th Annual Wolford Ice Fishing Contest
Wolford Mountain Reservoir, Kremmling
Saturday, February 17, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: $32
Compete for $5,000 in cash prizes for up
to ten of the largest fish (length and girth
added together). New this year, a $10,000
tagged fish! Children can pay and compete
as adults, or they can fish for free and
compete for the hourly big fish prizes and
goodie bags.
www.active.com
HEALTH
These classes are offered as a “public
service” by Dr. D.H. Smith. Each class
is customized for those who attend in
relation to the topic.
A Wholistic Health Approach
Wednesday, February 7, 6:45–8:15 p.m.
The future for wellness is applied
knowledge of principles.
(719) 594-0071
Hormones
Male and female. The role of diet and
detox. Fat and toxins are both key factors.
(719) 594-0071
Profile
How emotions enhance or retard healing.
Creating healthy emotions by choice.
(719) 594-0071
Activities in Daily Living
Achieve optimal wellness. Protocols that
help. Habits that don’t.
(719) 594-0071
HIKING
Hike (Trails and Open Space Coalition)
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m.
Cost: $5 park admission
(719) 633-6884
HUNTING
Hunter Education Course
Sportsman’s Warehouse, Colorado Springs
Friday, February 23, 5–9:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 24, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $10
This hunter education class is needed to
qualify for a Colorado Hunter Education
certificate. Preregister at the store.
(719) 597-9200
NATURE
Making Tracks with T. rex
Saturday, February 3, 10–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $3
Discover the explosion of new knowledge
that has been gained from the study of
dinosaur tracks since the 1980s, with
dinosaur expert Paul Combs. Learn
how dinosaur tracks are preserved and
identified, where they can be found,
and hear the fascinating stories that
these tracks are telling contemporary
scientists. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6387
Nature Hike at Clear Springs Ranch
Clear Springs Ranch, Fountain
Saturday, February 3, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost: $3
Hike with a naturalist through the
cottonwood woodlands along Fountain
Creek to search for great horned owls, redtailed hawks, white-tailed deer, and the
tracks of bobcats, foxes and wild turkeys.
Take I-25 south of Fountain to exit 123. Go
east and follow the signs to the parking lot.
Reservations with Fountain Creek Nature
Center required.
(719) 520-6745
Wildlife Watch Viewing Skills Workshop
Plains Conservation Center, Aurora
Sunday, February 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: $15
Bring a water bottle, binoculars (if you
have a pair), and sunblock. Workshops are
not designed for children under the age of
ten. Reservations required.
(303) 291-7258,
Just Ducky
Saturday, February 10, 10:00 a.m.–noon
Cost: $3
Three species of waterfowl nest in the
park, but over twenty species may show
up in the winter season. After watching a
slide show to learn about various ducks and
geese, we’ll hike outside to practice our
identification skills. Reservations required.
(719) 520-6745
2nd Annual Bighorn Sheep Day
Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, Colorado
Springs
Cost: Free
Family fun includes Bighorn Touch Table,
guided nature walks, children’s interactive
wildlife program, talks on bighorn biology
and the Rampart, Dome Rock and Pikes
Peak herds. Bring your binoculars! Free
cookies and cider available all day.
(800) 888-4748 ext. 142
See Calendar, Page 18
18
CALENDAR
of events
February, continued
This Bird’s a Hoot
Saturday February 24, 10 a.m.–noon
Cost: $3
Join us for an indoor presentation to
explore the legends and nature of owls,
learn about the life and nesting habits of
the great horned owl, followed by a hike
to search for these nocturnal predators.
(719) 520-6745
RUNNING
YMCA Frostbite 5 (5 mi. run or 5K fun
walk)
Pueblo City Park, Pueblo
All participants will receive a T-shirt.
Awards will be given to the top three
in each female and male age category,
overall male and female, and overall male
and female masters. Contact the YMCA of
Pueblo for more information.
(719) 543-5151 ext. 141, www.active.com
Super Bowl 5K
Sunday, February 4, 9 a.m.
Race proceeds will benefit the Kipture
Primary School Foundation. The Super Bowl
5K is part two of the Denver Race Series.
(303) 694-2030, www.bkbltd.com
USA Cross Country Championships (6K,
8K, and 12K)
Flatirons Golf Course, Boulder
First race starts at 9 a.m.
Cost: Spectator admission free
America’s very best will ascend to
Boulder for the 2007 USA Cross Country
Championships and World Cross Country
Team Trials. In addition to a $40,000 prize
purse, athletes will be vying for a coveted
spot on the USA team.
www.boulder2007.com
PPRR Winter Series III (5 mi. and 10 mi.)
Sante Fe Trail at Baptist Road, Monument
Third race in a series of four—courses are
mostly run on well-groomed dirt trails or
CMRA Forty Furlongs (5 mi.)
Littleton
(303) 794-6526, www.comastersrun.org
Valentine’s Day 5K
Race proceeds will benefit the Kipture Primary
School Foundation. The Valentine’s Day 5K is
part three of the Denver Race Series.
www.bkbltd.com
President’s Day 5K
Race proceeds will benefit the Kipture
Primary School Foundation. The Valentine’s
Day 5K is part four of the Denver Race Series.
www.bkbltd.com
PPRR Winter Series IV (10K and 20K)
Black Forest Elementary School, Black
Forest
Third race in a series of four—courses are
mostly run on well-groomed dirt trails or
Snowman Stampede (10 mi. and 20 mi.)
Cherry Creek State Park, Denver
Cost: 10 mi.—$35, $40 race day
20 mi.—$40, $45 race day
This race is the third race in the Winter
Distance Series presented by Runners Roost.
All participants will receive a race logo
T-shirt with their registration.
720-985-9047, www.winterdistanceseries.com
Run the Register 2nd Annual Stair Climb
Downtown Denver
Sunday, February 25, 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $35 (12/16–02/23)
Sign up now for your place in the biggest
climbing event the Mile High City has ever
seen—a real vertical climb—over 1,000 steps
to the top of the Wells Fargo Center. Run the
Register raises funds for lung health issues.
www.runtheregister.com, www.active.com
SKIING
The Ski Tour
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Thursday, February 1–Sunday, February 4
Breckenridge Ski Resort hosts the Ski Tour
(TST), a brand new event featuring the
world’s best skiers and $500,000 in cash.
(970) 453-5000,
www.breckenridge.snow.com
SKIING (CROSS-COUNTRY)
21st Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon
Downtown Crested Butte
Saturday, February 3, 9:30 a.m.
Groomed streets and alleys; costume
party; awards and prizes; racers from many
states; all ages and abilities.
(970) 349-1704, www.active.com,
www.cbnordic.org
SNOWBOARDING
TRIATHLON / DUATHLON
Snowboarding Beginner’s Clinic (Women only)
Get ready to shred! You’ll learn if you ride
regular or goofy, tricks for getting off the
lift, how to link turns, stop on both edges
and ride safely. No experience necessary.
Tuition cost includes lift ticket, rentals and
lunch. Call for more details.
USA Triathlon Winter National
Championships
Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Winter Park
8K run, 15K bike, 10K ski—run and bike on
hard-packed snow; Nordic (classic or skate) ski.
(303) 442-0041, www.5430sports.com
SNOWSHOEING
Gold Run Volksmarch (10K, 4K)
Breckenridge
(303) 674-0317
37th Annual Salomon Frisco Gold Rush
Frisco
5K/10K Classic, 5K/10K Skate,
20K Skate, 7K Snowshoe
(970) 668-0866, www.emgcolorado.com
Twilight Social Snowshoe Series #2
Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 p.m.
The second event of the Twilight Snowshoe
Social Series, featuring a torchlit course
under the stars. Race or do a noncompetitive
tour, then come in to the Nordic Center for
soup, social, and raffle. Headlamp and desire
to have fun required!
37th Annual Salomon Frisco Gold Rush
Frisco
5K/10K Classic, 5K/10K Skate, 20K Skate,
7K Snowshoe
(970) 668-0866, www.emgcolorado.com
Jeremy Wright North American Snowshoe
Championships
McCoy Park, Beaver Creek
Sunday, February 11
For beginners to pros, this event offers
something for participants of all ages and
abilities. Races include the East West 5K
Quest, a 10K Competitive Run, Kids K, and
the Dash for Cash. All the on-snow action is
followed by a post race celebration on the
B.C. Village Plaza.
www.bcsnowshoe.com
Steamboat Ski Marathon
Lake Catamount Touring Center, Steamboat
Springs
Ski the first ever (soon to be annual) event!
The rolling terrain at Lake Catamount
Touring Center is ideal for long cruises—
thus, the race begins. The course will have
distances of 10 km, 22.5 km, or 45 km and
will be expertly groomed for freestyle and
classic-style skiing. There will be a post
race party with door prizes and awards.
www.steamboatxcski.org
The Screamin’ Snowman 5K and 10K
Snowshoe Race
Nordic Center at the Eldora Ski Area (west
of Boulder)
Sunday, February 11, 9:45 a.m.
Cost: $22 in advance ($15 for under 16’s),
$30 on race day
All entrants will receive a Screamin’ Snowman
CoolMax winter running hat by Headsweats.
Both 5K and 10K routes are a challenging mix
of single track, groomed ski trails, and fresh
powder. $300 prize money in the 10K.
www.racingunderground.com
Winter Trails 2007
Estes Park
Winter Trails Day, now entering its 12th
year, offers children and adults new to snow
sports the chance to try snowshoeing and
cross-country skiing for free, and to discover
the great fitness and social benefits with
these easy-to-learn winter sports. (800) 378-3708, www.estesparkchamber.org
Quiet Use Coalition Snowshoe Hike
TBD (Snow covered area near Buena Vista)
Join the Quiet Use Coalition and the
“Michael Jordan of Snowshoeing” for a fun
and informative snowshoe hike. A limited
number of snowshoes are available for
free use. Advice on how to use snowshoes,
where to go, and how to do this great
winter activity is provided.
(719) 539-4112, [email protected] (e-mail),
www.quietuse.org
Gold Run Volksmarch (10K, 4K)
Breckenridge
(303) 674-0317
SKIING (TELEMARK)
Intermediate Telemark Skiing (Women only)
Cost: $110
Refine your technique and turns, gain
confidence on bumps and take your
telemark skills to the next level. Seasoned
telemark instructors will help you build
the skills you’re ready to learn. Previous
telemark experience required. Includes lift
ticket, rentals, and lunch.
Winter Trails 2007
Estes Park
Winter Trails Day, now entering its 12th
year, offers children and adults NEW to
snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing
and cross-country skiing for FREE, and to
discover the great fitness and social benefits
with these easy-to-learn winter sports. (800) 378-3708, www.estesparkchamber.org
Chilly Cheeks Winter Duathlon
Cherry Creek State Park
Chilly Cheeks #3 will start with a 10-mile
non-drafting paved bike ride. The race will
finish with a 4-mile road and dirt-trail run.
(303) 642-7917, www.racingunderground.com
VOLKSSPORTING
Cross-Country Ski (10 km)
Hosted by Colorado High Country Hikers
Event # 77086. Route is on easy to moderate
trails. Rates 2+ only due to altitude.
(303) 674-0317, www.ava.org/clubs/CHCH
Swim (300 m)
Breckenridge Recreation Center,
Breckenridge
Event # 77085
Snowshoe (8 km)
Events # 77083 and # 77084. Route is on
easy to moderate trails. Rates 2+ only due
to altitude.
Walk (5K/10K)
Cañon City Recreation and Parks Office
Hosted by Falcon Wanderers
Event # 77072. The route is on gravel trails,
city streets and sidewalks. Strollers can
complete the trail with some difficulty.
Wheelchairs are not recommended. Leashed
pets are welcome on the trail.
(719) 372-3541, www.angelfire.com/co4/fw,
www.ava.org
Snowshoe (8 km)
Place TBD
Hosted by Rocky Mountain Wanderers
Event # 77177
(303) 697-9362, www.ava.org
Cross-Country Ski (8 km)
Place TBD
Hosted by Rocky Mountain Wanderers
Event # 77176
(303) 697-9362, www.ava.org
This event information is subject
to change, please check the
information sources to verify event
details . . .
If you would like your outdoor
recreational events listed in our
next issue please call us at
(719) 538–9191 or e–mail
[email protected].
Are You Ready for
Ice Fishing?
Ice is nice for hard-water anglers. The
warm, sunny days of fall have passed,
yielding to the colder, shorter days of
winter, especially in Colorado’s high
country. With mountain reservoirs and
lakes in the best condition since before
the drought years of 2001, 2002, and 2003,
fishing through the ice this winter is looking great.
In ice fishing parlance, “the lid is going
on.” In plain English, it means ice is forming now on high mountain lakes and
reservoirs above 8,000 feet, and depending on the cold weather, many smaller
eastern-plains ponds will freeze over and
provide additional late winter fishing
opportunities. Over the past 10 years, ice fishing has
grown more popular. Almost 25 percent of
all Colorado anglers wet lines through the
ice between December and late February,
according to the 2004 Statewide Angler
Survey. The use of portable fishing shelters, electronic fish locators, and new
and old bait types have increased angler
success. In addition, through its late-fall
stocking program, the Colorado Division
of Wildlife (DOW) Hatchery Program has
helped to ensure there are plenty of fish
to catch.
Colorado fish managers oftentimes
increase the number of 12” plus trout
that are stocked in reservoirs where large
northern pike are found. Stagecoach
Reservoir (near Steamboat Springs),
Crawford Reservoir (near Grand
Junction) and Williams Fork Reservoir
(near Granby) offer the opportunity to ice
fish for both large northern pike as well
as large rainbow trout. Closer to home,
Elevenmile Reservoir (near Lake George),
Skagway Reservoir (near Cripple Creek)
and Tarryall Reservoir (near Tarryall) are
the best bets.
When considering perennial favorites
for large trout through the ice, the Delaney
Butte Lakes (west of Rocky Mountain
National Park), Lake John (near Walden),
Taylor Reservoir (near Crested Butte) and
Twin Lakes (near Buena Vista) are always
in the minds of ice anglers.
In addition to the always popular rainbow and lake trout, there are other species that are eagerly sought by ice-fishing
aficionados. Walleye, yellow perch, and
kokanee are the usual suspects chased by
ice anglers. Many of Colorado’s most popular waters contain a mix of these species,
along with rainbow trout. No matter what
an angler’s preference is, there is probably
a good fishery within a few hours drive.
Rules and Regulations
Ice fishing rules can be found on Page
5 of the Colorado Division of Wildlife
Fishing Regulations & Property Directory,
with specific water size, tackle
and bag limits found in the
individual water listings.
Anglers should remember to
buy a fishing license if they
have not done so. Fishing
licenses are easily obtained
in person at sporting goods
stores, over the phone by
dialing 1-800-244-5613, or via
the Internet at http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/
AppsAndLicenses/.
Safety Tips
The following are general
guidelines aimed at lessening
the chances that winter recreation enthusiasts will fall for
an icy dip, or worse, while ice
fishing.
There probably is no such
thing as “safe” ice, but here
are some guidelines for anglers
to consider. In Colorado, ice
conditions can vary from lake
to lake. Ice thickness depends on several
factors. The first and most obvious factor
is location. The type of lake also affects
ice thickness; a shallow lake will freeze
faster than a deep lake. It is also important
to remember that ice thickness varies in
different spots on a lake. A current from
an inlet or outlet will cause thin ice. Large
snowdrifts will insulate ice and may cause
melting and thin ice underneath the snow.
These are just a few of the places where
thin ice can occur. Along the Front Range,
it is especially important that anglers check
ice conditions before heading out because
of the region’s notoriously variable weather
conditions. Many of the most popular lakes
are managed by Colorado State Parks, or
local park authorities, and anglers should
always check with those managers about
ice thickness before going out.
Anglers should always decide for
themselves if it is safe to go out and walk
on or drive a snowmobile on ice. It is a
personal decision and consideration. A
general guide for proper ice thickness is 4
inches for walking and drilling a hole, and
6–8 inches for a snowmobile.
The use of crampons, or cleats, for
walking on ice is a good idea in Colorado.
With the state’s powdery snow and wind,
there is often no snow cover on ice.
Blowing wind and snow actually polish
ice to a glassy, slippery surface.
Other considerations for a safe trip
include:
• Attach a long cord to sleds. This should
make sleds easier to pull, and if someone
falls through the ice, anglers can push
their sled to them while holding onto the
line.
•
Anglers should carry two picks—or
spikes protruding from wooden hand
holds—to help pull their way out if they
fall in.
• If an angler falls through the ice, he
should spike his way out or be pulled out,
and should not stand, but roll across the
ice in the same direction from which he
arrived at the site.
• Ice fishermen should carry a portable
flotation cushion. The cushion will add
to their seating comfort and give them
something to throw should someone fall
through ice.
• Anglers should keep their augers covered
because the blades are sharp, and can easily cut them, their children or their dogs.
• Ice fishermen should spray vegetable oil
on their auger and snowshoes. That way,
snow won't stick and anglers won't cut
themselves cleaning off the snow.
Ice fishing is a great opportunity to
spend time with family and friends. It is
often more of a passive fishing effort than
warm weather fishing, leaving plenty of
time for good discussion and the telling
of fishing adventures and tall tales. For
those who have not tried it yet: just go and
do it this winter!
Due to our fluctuating weather temperatures, the ice is never thick enough
to even walk on in the Colorado Springs
area.
Source: Colorado Division of Wildlife
19
20
Friends
of the Outdoors
Friends of the Peak
Ever wonder who maintains the trails on Pikes
Peak? Maybe you have assumed that the U.S. Forest
Service has crews that go out with some kind of trail
grooming machine that repairs and builds trails.
In reality, trails are usually made, and maintained,
with hand tools by dedicated crews of volunteers who
love Pikes Peak and want those who use the trails on
Pikes Peak to have a safe, enjoyable experience.
Maybe you have come across a group of these folks
working on a section of your favorite trail. The trail may
look like a mess; big rocks may be stacked on the side
of the trail and dust may be flying as workers move
dirt from one place to another. While the whole thing
looks like a disaster, the next time you hike through that
section you will notice how nice the trail is—the tread
is easy to walk on; rainwater has gently drained off the
trail without scarring up the trail with gullies; stone
steps are comfortable and solid.
It is likely that the dust- and sweat-covered group
that you saw before was led by the Friends of the Peak
(FOTP).
FOTP is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated
to preserving, protecting, and restoring Pikes Peak, and
plays a large role in maintaining and constructing trails
on Pikes Peak. Through a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Springs
Utilities, and the Pikes Peak Highway, FOTP organizes
trail projects, advocates for responsible use on the Peak,
and enhances the public’s outdoor experience.
FOTP coordinates many activities throughout the
year geared toward making Pikes Peak trails safe and
sustainable. There are a variety of work experiences
available. Some of the ongoing projects organized by
FOTP include improvement and stabilization of the
Crags to Devil’s Playground trail and Seven Bridges
trails. In addition, work on Barr Trail is always an
important emphasis.
FOTP has been working hard at making the Ring
the Peak Trail a reality by connecting existing trails
with new trail construction. Some stabilization of slopes
along the Pikes Peak Highway has also been a feature of
many work seasons.
For those of you who are not able to participate in
trail work, there are plenty of other support jobs including cooking meals for trail workers, data management,
and advocacy for those who recreate on the Peak.
There is even a hiking group sponsored by FOTP. The
schedule for this summer is being developed and will
be available this spring.
Checkout FOTP online at www.FOTP.com for more
information about the activities, as well as links to
helpful information about Pikes Peak. Projects usually
involve some hard work, but what really sticks with
someone who participates is a real sense of accomplishment.
Business Spotlight
Quick Gym
Take the Challenge
By Sky Warnke
It may seem like an idea straight out of a
science fiction novel—the idea you can get a
full workout in only four minutes. Although the
ROM (Range of Motion) machines at the Quick
Gym may look as if they belong in a story (they
look like a mix of a rowing machine and a stair
climber), this is as close to science fiction as it
gets. Users can get a full upper or full lower
body workout, including strength through
resistance, flexibility, and cardio, in only four
minutes with the Quick Gym workout.
The ROM machines used by Quick Gym
are designed with an 85-pound flywheel,
and centrifugal force brake. This allows for
different levels of resistance established by
the individual's needs. What is so incredible
about these machines is that in only four
minutes, they can work for virtually everyone
from beginners to top athletes, regardless of
age or fitness level. You do not need to be in
great shape to use the Quick Gym workout,
in fact, you don't even need to change into
fitness clothing.
The four-minute workout, which makes it
perfect for a lunch break, alternates the focus
between upper body one day and lower
body the next, allowing for the recovery time
necessary for resistance training.
Four minutes on the ROM machine is
equivalent to an 85-minute walk at 3 mph,
a 35-minute jog at 4 mph, or 18-minute
run at 5.5 mph. From a recent University
of California (USC) study, the Quick Gym
workout also provides aerobic performance
increases "similar to [those] achieved doing
aerobic exercises or using aerobic exercise
machine that typically take 20–45 minutes
a day, three to five days a week," explains
Dr. Bob Girandola, from the Department of
Exercise Science at the USC. "We feel that
the ROM is an excellent mode of training,
affecting both upper and lower body, and we
would strongly recommend this device for
exercise for any individual."
David Lee Coleman and his wife Kaja
opened Quick Gym in July after seeing the
ROM machine at a wellness conference.
Their machines were the first to be placed in
Colorado and the Colemans' Quick Gym is still
one of only two locations in the state where
the machines are available for public use. They
offer a free wellness evaluation and carry a
complete line of nutritional and weight-loss
products, including Herbalife products.
Located just east of Powers Blvd at 6040
N. Carefree Circle, in Colorado Springs,
Quick Gym is a friendly location with a
knowledgeable staff. With three ROM
machines, there is normally no waiting. This
machine really needs to be experienced to be
believed; so stop in for a free trial.
Hours are Monday through Friday,
7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (closed 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.)
and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Photo by Dave Brown
So, next time you think about what you love about the Peak, think
about how you might be able to help all of those who love the Peak
by contributing some time to Friends of the Peak.
OUTDOORS in the Pikes Peak Region21
Red Rock Loop/
Palmer Trail
The Red Rock Loop / Palmer Trail is a popular trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. This is a great
year-round trail with good views of the Garden of the Gods and easy access to the Paul Intemann Trail.
Use of Trail:
Hiking/Biking/Horse Riding
Length of Trail:
5.30 mi. round-trip — Red Rock Loop (w/o Palmer)
1.80 mi. round-trip — Palmer (to gate only)
Elevation Gain:
6,556 ft. to 8174 ft. / 1,618 ft. Gain (both trails)
Hiking Difficulty:
Moderate
Fees/Permits:
None
Trail Contact:
Colorado Springs Department of Parks & Recreation
1401 Recreation Way
(719) 385-5940
Approx. Hiking Time:
3 hours round-trip – Red Rock Loop
1 hour – Palmer
Terrain Type:
Hilly/wooded and open
Trail Characteristics:
Single track, dirt/gravel
Views:
City of Colorado Springs/
Sentinel Rock/Garden of the Gods
Pets:
Permitted on leash only
Other Nearby Trails:
Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail
Geocaches/Letterboxes:
Yes
Trailhead Directions
From I-25 in Colorado Springs, exit at U.S. 24 (Cimmaron St.) at Exit 141.
Head west on U.S. 24 for 2.2 miles and turn south (left) on 26th Street. In
about 1.5 miles, turn right onto Lower Gold Camp Rd. and travel 0.75 miles
to the trailhead on the right side of the road. Park in the parking area adjacent to the Section 16 Trailhead sign.
Waypoint Log
WP 1 @ 0.00 mi. Trailhead and parking area
WP 2 @ 0.30 mi. Intersection with a side trail to the right which leads back
to the parking area. A short way up the trail there is a fork
in the trail (with a railroad tie), go straight here.
WP 3 @ 0.45 mi. Intersection of the Parallel Trail (to the left) which also
leads to the Forrest Allen Overlook spur trail. Go left for
the Parallel trail or go straight to continue on the Red
Rock Loop Trail.
WP 3A - Forrest Allen Overlook with some interpretive
signs and beautiful views. When you come back down
from the Overlook take a left turn on the Parallel Trail,
this eventually connects back into the Red Rock Loop
Trail (Spur trail is .16 miles one way.)
WP 4 @ 0.72 mi. Intersection of the Red Rock Loop Trail and the Parallel
Trail. Take a left at this intersection.
WP 5 @ 0.87 mi. Intersection with the Paul Intemann Memorial Nature
Trail (to the right). Go straight to continue on the Red
Rock Loop Trail.
WP 6 @ 1.10 mi. Intersection with another trail (to the right) leading to the
Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail via an intermittent
waterfall. Go straight to continue on the Red Rock Loop
Trail. There is a railroad tie sign at this intersection. Soon
there will another fork in the trail marked by a sign. The
“Section 16 Trail” is to the right and the “Red Rock Loop
Trail” is to the left. Go left. After this sign there will be
numerous switchbacks and social trails leading off of
this main trail. Bear right when possible (the left trails
continue downhill) because your goal is to gain in elevation towards the Palmer Trail.
WP 7 @ 1.42 mi. Intersection with a spur trail which leads to a summit
or overlook. Go left to the summit or continue straight
ahead for the Red Rock Loop Trail.
WP 7A - Great views along trail
WP 7B - Summit or overlook (.22 miles one way)
WP 8 @ 2.21 mi. Intersection with the Palmer Trail, go right for the Palmer
Trail (which continues uphill to a private gate), or continue straight on the Red Rock Rock Loop Trail.
WP 8A – Palmer Trail ends here at a private gate
to the residential community of Crystal Park (.90 mi.
roundtrip)
WP 9 @ 2.74 mi. Log bridge over Hunters Run Creek.
WP10 @ 3.15 mi. Switchback
Key
Social Trail
WP13 @ 4.02 mi. Great views of Sentinel Rock and the city of Colorado
Springs. The trail now has steep drop-offs (to the left) as
it descends to a fork in the trail. The trail to the right goes
to an old Scout camp. Go to the left to stay on the main
trail which will take you back to High Drive.
This trail guide information was supplied by
www.e-TrailMaps.com
See their webiste for more trail details.
WP14 @ 4.41 mi. Intersection with High Drive, turn left onto High Drive
and continue 1.1 miles back to the parking area and trailhead.
WP 1 @ 5.41 mi. Return to trailhead and parking area.
22
outdoor
family fun
It's for the birds, the parents, and the kids
Bird-watching is fun for everyone
By Anita Louise
I told my kids they had to sit by the window and count
birds for fifteen minutes. The first five minutes they were
very into it, but after ten minutes flew by and no birds
did, the kids got bored and left their station. I, however,
stuck it out for the full fifteen minutes. I was trying to
participate in the 9th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count,
a joint project of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
and the National Audubon Society. "I'll teach those kids,"
I thought. "They'll miss the first bald eagle to ever fly into
our northern Colorado Springs subdivision." Alas, the
bald eagle never appeared.
"The bird you're most likely to spot in a Colorado
Springs' yard this time of year is a junco," explained
Stephanie, a certified bird-feeding specialist at Wild Birds
Unlimited. I figured Stephanie would know, since Wild
Birds Unlimited sponsors the Great Backyard Bird Count,
and also because Stephanie has that fabulous title after
her name.
"I thought you were going to say a robin. I've never
even heard the word 'junco'," I admitted to Stephanie.
Stephanie went on to explain that dark-eyed juncos
are a type of sparrow. They usually appear in Colorado
Springs after the first big snowstorm and stay for winter.
Then they head further north or to the mountains for the
rest of the year. Juncos are primarily gray, but can also
have rust coloring.
I couldn't wait to get my eyes on a junco, but since my
yard wasn't exactly filled with them, I went to the next
best place—the Internet.
The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's website
was the logical place to start. By checking out their
website at www.birdsource.org/gbbc, I was able to access
photographs and information for over 600 species of
birds, including the dark-eyed junco. "So that's what a
junco looks like—I always assumed they were robins," I
thought.
Now that I could identify juncos, I really wanted to
meet one face to bill. I turned to Stephanie again to find
out how to attract the birds to my yard.
According to Stephanie, the best way to attract a bird
to your home is the way you've been attracting people
for years—with food and drink. "A good bird feeder is
a welcome sign to hungry birds," says Stephanie. "And
during the winter, birds can also have a hard time finding
water, so providing them a source of water is an attraction,
too. They don't all need seed, but they do all need water."
Going even further, Stephanie says that if you really
want birds to stick around, offer them the proper
accommodations. While the type of
birdhouse should meet the specific needs
of the type of bird you're trying to attract,
in general Stephanie says that a birdhouse
should provide the following:
• Proper size
• Good ventilation
• Protection from predators
• Adequate drainage
Stephanie added that any reputable bird
supply store offers bird feeders and houses
and tons of advice. A quick Google under
"Homemade Bird Houses and Feeders"
also gives lots of ideas on how to create
your own food and lodging for backyard
guests.
But what about unwanted backyard
guests that might be attracted by bird
provisions? How does a homeowner keep
other animals, especially bears, out of bird
feeders? I contacted Michael Seraphin,
a public information specialist from the
Colorado Division of Wildlife, for advice.
"It's the luck of the draw," says Seraphin.
"Once a bear finds a source of food, they'll
keep coming back." Seraphin suggests that homeowners
in bear territory bring bird feeders in every night, and
when the feeders are out, hang them high enough
so bears can't reach them. He also recommends only
hanging bird feeders in winter, if bear problems exist in
your neighborhood. Ultimately, though, Seraphin says
homeowners have to weigh the risks with their desire to
attract birds.
Fortunately, I don't live in bear country. I have a hard
enough time attracting birds to my yard, let alone bears.
By the third day of the four-day-long Great Backyard
Bird Count, I had counted zero birds in my backyard. But
remembering bits of a telephone conversation I had with
Cornell Lab spokesperson, Miyoko Chu, gave my family
the moral support we needed to keep watching.
"Participating in the bird count is such a perfect family
activity," said Chu. "It's a great bonding experience for
parents and children, it gets kids interacting with their
environment and it helps foster their interest in science.
We're excited that so many families participate."
Finally, on the last day of the bird count, my family
spotted two birds on our backyard feeder. Juncos!
Beautiful, beautiful juncos!
The Great Backyard Bird Count
What midwinter activity is fun, easy, free, and helps bird conservation?
What can parents and teachers do with children that connects them to a whole
new world of natural wonders? During February 16–19, 2007, people of all
ages—from beginners to experts—are invited to join this event which spans
all of the United States and Canada. Participants can take part wherever they
are—at home, in school yards, at local parks, or wildlife refuges. Observers
simply count the highest number of each species they see during an outing or a
sitting, and enter their tally on the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) website
at www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
Participants who want to hone their bird-watching skills can learn more from
the Great Backyard Bird Count website, which offers identification tips and
access to photos, sounds, maps, and natural history information on more than
500 bird species. People can also submit photos to an online gallery showcasing
the dazzling array of winter birds found during the GBBC. Competitions add
another element of fun, including a photo contest, rankings for most numerous
birds, and the coveted “Checklist Champ” title for towns, states, and provinces
with the highest participation.
For more information, go to: www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
Dark-Eyed Junco
Seeing the juncos was such a kick, we decided to begin
preparing for next year's Great Backyard Bird Count a
year ahead of time. If you and your family would like to
join us and the thousands of others who participate in the
count, you're welcome to use our list to get yourselves
prepared, too.
Preparing for the Great Backyard Bird Count
• Improve bird identification skills by checking out an
online field guide and books from the local library.
• Visit a local bird store for advice on bird feeders, bird
houses and the types of birds you're most likely to spot
in your neighborhood. The Wild Bird Center at 1722 E.
Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs is a great place
for wild bird supplies and for good information.
• Make your yard a welcome environment for the types
of birds you're hoping to attract.
• Hone your skills by participating in other bird watching activities, like the eBird Site Survey, a joint venture
of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the
National Audubon Society; www.ebird.org/content.
You can also watch for the dates there of this year's
Great Backyard Bird Count.
Never give up on spotting a bald eagle.
OUTDOORS in the Pikes Peak Region23
See our
March-April,
2007 issue for
"Fossil Hunting in the
Pikes Peak Region:
It’s Sedimentary"

in the Pikes Peak Region - Jack Quinn`s Runners Club

Transcription

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